U.S. Cities Launch Shared E-Cargo Bike Services: A Shift in Urban Logistics

Several U.S. cities are piloting shared e-cargo bike programs to replace short-haul diesel trucks. These bikes can carry 300-500 lbs with a 50-80-mile range, targeting businesses and individual users.

Key Pilots

• San Francisco: Operated by ZIP Mobility, offering hourly/monthly rentals.

• Portland: Partnering with B-Line Urban Delivery for retail and food deliveries.

• Chicago: "Cargo Bike Chicago" enables app-based unlocks and per-mile pricing.

Impacts

1. Eco-friendly: Cuts 2 tons of CO₂/year per bike vs. trucks.

2. Last-mile efficiency: Adopted by couriers and restaurants to reduce congestion.

3. Safety concerns: Some riders skip bike helmet use, prompting regulatory debates.

4. Job shifts: Traditional drivers fear losses, but green logistics roles may emerge.

Outlook

With carbon-neutral policies, e-cargo bikes could dominate short-haul freight. Yet charging gaps and road rights remain hurdles. The U.S. market may grow 300% in 5 years.