Delivering gin by electric assist cargo-bike
About the business
Brighton Gin offers:
- handmade, small batch British craft gin
- gluten free and 100% vegan product and packaging
- distillery tours
- pop-up bars and bartender training
Original operations
Brighton Gin had completed zero-emission bike deliveries in the past, but always struggled up the hills as they used regular bicycles.The majority of city-centre deliveries were completed by van.
- 85-90 weekly van miles in the city centre
- issues with traffic, parking and high fuel costs
- trialed non-electric cargo bikes
Brighton Gin were taking on new inner-city customers and were searching for a more efficient form of delivery.
eCargo bike specification
With our advice Brighton Gin chose the Urban Arrow Cargo XL, which features:
- a 500wh battery keeping the bike running for a full day of deliveries
- 150kg payload
- 600 litre maximum volume
They added a Fleximodal BicyLift Trailer, which features:
- a built in lifting system to walk/ride while carrying a pallet
- 180kg maximum trailer laod capacity
- carries 120 1 metre pallets
Our e-Cargo bike has already replaced the vast majority of Brighton Gin van trips around town.
Outcome
Switching to eCargo bike deliveries has meant:
- £147 monthly savings on fuel, insurance and parking
- delivery staff do not require a driver's licence
- easily deliver heavy loads up a hill
- ability to deliver to previously inaccessible addresses
The bike has allowed non-drivers to participate in deliveries, better sharing the workload. Rider confidence has been boosted
through free eCargo bike training, delivered by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Riders now have the ability to deliver directly to previously inaccessible addresses, while preparing the business for a proposed car-free city centre.
We have already covered more than 150 miles in our first three weeks of usage.