FedEx Express has introduced a fleet of 13 e-cargo bikes to work alongside its UK pick-up and delivery fleet in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge.

The introduction of cargo bikes in urban centres is one way FedEx is seeking to make an immediate impact on carbon emissions.

The express delivery giant already runs e-cargo bikes in London, replacing diesel vehicles in emissions-restricted zones, and the expansion of the scheme will enable sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and around further city centres.

Not only do e-cargo bike reduce carbon emissions, but they also cut congestion and noise and bring business benefits. Bike couriers can make use of existing road infrastructure, such as bicycle and bus lanes, and are able to find kerbside parking more easily than vans – particularly in hard-to-access areas.

Alun Cornish, FedEx operations managing director in Europe, said: “Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes. We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorised vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.”

FedEx’s roll-out of e-cargo bikes is tipped to continue in other UK cities, forming part of its work to lower emissions, alongside the transition to fully electric vehicles.

The firm aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040, with electrification of its pick-up and delivery vehicles being a major area of investment. In March 2021, FedEx announced its global target for 50% of all newly procured vehicles to be electric by 2025, rising to 100% of all new purchases by 2030.