Last-Mile Delivery News: Zoomo Partnerships & Perth Study

Sydney-based electric fleet provider Zoomo is doubling down on its four-wheeled e-cargo bike options in Europe by partnering with vehicle suppliers Vok and Fernhay.

Both Vok, based in Estonia, and Fernhay, which has its headquarters in London, specialise in automotive-grade electric cargo bikes targetting last-mile deliveries.

The new partnerships come soon after Zoomo announced it was introducing the first four-wheel light electric vehicles to its fleet, through an alliance with UK manufacturer EAV, to meet the needs of a “burgeoning urban logistics sector”.

“With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the introduction of anti-car legislation in major cities, the urban logistics sector is actively exploring alternative vehicle form factors to replace traditional delivery vans. Four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are coming out on top, and Zoomo is confident this form factor is meeting the last mile delivery sector’s evolving demands,” Zoomo says in a statement.

“This is because compared to conventional vans, e-cargo bikes offer faster urban delivery, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, all while being more cost-effective.”

Vok and Fernhay e-cargo bikes offer 2,000-litre cargo capacity and a 200kg payload limit.

Zoomo will offer financing for both Vok and Fernhay vehicles, with full maintenance and its advanced fleet management software which helps businesses track and maintain their delivery fleet.

Exploring Perth’s Last-Mile Opportunities

Micromobility’s potential and limitations for last-mile deliveries in Perth are being explored in a collaboration between WA’s Department of Transport and the University of Western Australia.

The project – Micromobility and Freight: Exploring opportunities in WA – will explore issues and test scenarios for micromobility freight solutions in major activity centres in Perth.

It aims to develop three or four solutions for the Perth CBD and other relevant locations in the city’s metropolitan areas.

The venture is supported by iMOVE Australia and will also be conducted in partnership with Curtin University.

An overview of the study says demand for last-mile freight services is due to increase by 78% globally by 2030, as predicted by the World Economic Forum and driven by a rise in e-commerce.

“As central Perth and other major activity centres grow in line with a projected metro region population increase to 3.5 million by 2050, there will be increased demand on local transport systems to accommodate last-mile delivery.

“Cities around the world have looked to micromobility to address some of these challenges.”

However, it says integrating micromobility into last mile freight systems brings many regulatory, infrastructure and land use planning challenges.