# UPS Launches First Electric Bike in U.S. for Urban Delivery Solution

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/ups-launches-first-electric-bike-in-u-s-for-urban-delivery-solution/
- Published: 2018-11-03T19:56:32-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

#### _New Cargo eBike and Custom, Modular Package.

_Includes Delivery Trailers to Operate in the Pike Place Market Area. That’s from
South Belltown to the Southern End of the Market, Inclusive of Western Avenue_

**SEATTLE, October 25, 2018 –** [UPS](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/ups-invests-in-arrival-and-orders-10000-generation-2-electric-vehicles-6/)
going eBike in an effort to address growing traffic congestion and air quality concerns.
So UPS (NYSE: UPS) and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the deployment of an
innovative downtown delivery pilot project. They are using pedal-assist cargo eBikes
and customized, modular trailers. The cargo eBikes will operate in the historic 
Pike Place Market. In addition though the downtown Seattle area on sidewalks and
in designated bike lanes.

###### _“While we have launched cycle logistic projects in other cities, this is the first one designed to meet a variety of urban challenges,” said Scott Phillippi, UPS’s s__enior __director of_ maintenance and engineering, international operations.

“The modular boxes and trailer allow us to expand our delivery capabilities and 
meet the unique needs of our Seattle customers. It’s exciting to return to our roots.
Cause UPS started in Seattle in 1907 as a bicycle messenger company. Therefore we’re
looking forward to being able to offer these customizable urban delivery solutions.
As well as to other cities nationwide.”

![In addition, UPS partnered with the Seattle Department of Transportation. That’s
to develop plans for the new pilot program. If successful, UPS will expand the route
and consider additional cargo eBike. Again deliveries in other areas of the city.
This is the first tailored urban delivery solution. Therefore to address growing
traffic congestion in Seattle’s downtown corridor, and is part of UPS’s Cycle Logistics
Solutions that help reduce carbon emissions, noise, and traffic.](https://i0.wp.
com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/truck-trike23107351423814903021.
jpg?resize=300%2C318&quality=52&ssl=1)

In addition, [UPS](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/ups-joins-the-electric-drive-transportation-association-edta/)
partnered with the Seattle Department of Transportation. That’s to develop plans
for the new pilot program. If successful, UPS will expand the route and consider
additional [cargo eBike](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/eia-stated-reduced-electric-demand-halved-power-sector-carbon-emissions/).
Again deliveries in other areas of the city. This is the first tailored urban delivery
solution. Therefore to address growing traffic congestion in Seattle’s downtown 
corridor, and is part of UPS’s [Cycle Logistics Solutions](https://pressroom.ups.com/assets/pdf/pressroom/infographic/UPS_AlternativeFuel_FactSht.pdf)
that help reduce carbon emissions, noise, and traffic.

##### They call it:

Truck Trike is the first true industrial trike. That’s with unprecedented payload
capacity. The Truck Trike is intended for business, with a universal flatbed that
can be customized for any use. This represents a new class of vehicle, between a
40 lb. bike and a 3,000 lb. truck. This human-electric trike design weighs only 
250 lbs., yet can carry an unprecedented payload of 600 lbs., leading to very high
efficiency.

Nothing performs like a Truck Trike. Mostly because there is nothing else like a
Truck Trike.There are a lot of smart reasons to buy a Truck Trike. For urban delivery
and point-of-sale, it gives you a cost-effective platform that’s easy to maneuver
and park in congested areas. For schools, universities and municipalities it can
reduce overhead while reducing environmental impact.

# Aka the Truck Trike is a Human + Electric Powered Industrial Trike. Lol

![The UPS® cargo eBike is equipped with a battery-powered electric motor that can
travel longer distances than traditional bikes, carry substantial loads and navigate
hills and other terrain. The modular, detachable boxes on the trailer can hold up
to 400 lbs. and have a 95 cubic foot capacity. The bikes can be operated with human
pedal power or battery power, providing drivers with the flexibility they need to
navigate changing terrain and energy efficiency.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/truck-trike13626178148740876365.jpg?resize=300%2C124&
quality=52&ssl=1)

The UPS^(®) cargo eBike is equipped with a battery-powered electric motor that can
travel longer distances than traditional bikes, carry substantial loads and navigate
hills and other terrain. The modular, detachable boxes on the trailer can hold up
to 400 lbs. and have a 95 cubic foot capacity. The bikes can be operated with human
pedal power or battery power, providing drivers with the flexibility they need to
navigate changing terrain and energy efficiency.

#### Seattle

“Seattle has always been the [city that invents the future](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/11/bike-city-station-commuting-facility-future/),
and now we are partnering with one of our hometown companies to help drive innovations
in transportation,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “As Seattle grows and public
and private mega projects limit capacity on our downtown streets, this pilot will
help us better understand how we can ensure the delivery of goods while making space
on our streets for transit, bikes, and pedestrians. We are eager to learn how pilots
like these can help build a city of the future with fewer cars, more transit and
less carbon pollution.”

UPS and the University of Washington [Urban Freight Lab](https://depts.washington.edu/sctlctr/urban-freight-lab-0)
are evaluating the cargo eBike’s reliability. As well as design and integration 
into Seattle’s infrastructure over the next year. The Urban Freight Lab is an initiative
that brings together transportation engineers and urban planners who manage public
spaces with retailers, freight carriers and technology companies supporting transportation
solutions.

In addition, UPS will share data and analyses from the pilot for assessment. For
that’s against two of the lab’s key objectives: improving first delivery attempts
and reducing “dwell time,” both of which should reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Furthermore, the success of the UPS eBike was first demonstrated in 2012 in Hamburg,
Germany. So it also serves as a prototype for the company’s newest cargo eBike in
Seattle.

The company also operates inner-city delivery projects with delivery on foot and
by bike in more than 30 major cities worldwide, including Leuven and Mechelen, Belgium;
Paris and Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Hamburg, Herne, Offenbach, Oldenburg and 
Munich, Germany; Dublin, Ireland; Rome and Verona, Italy; and London, U.K. in addition
to the one other eBike previously operating in the United States in [Pittsburgh](https://pressroom.ups.com/pressroom/ContentDetailsViewer.page?ConceptType=PressReleases&id=1510149665708-495)

Source: ups.com/sustainability