Royal Mail introduces electric cargo cycles to boost urban deliveries

Royal Mail has launched its first electric cargo cycles, expanding what is already the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet.

The first 20 Minimal Pedal 4 cycles will be deployed this month in cities including London, Brighton and Cambridge, with plans to roll out to further locations in the future. Manufactured at Minimal’s microfactory in West London, their introduction marks another step towards Royal Mail’s target of achieving net zero by 2040.

Using e-cargo cycles will help Royal Mail reduce carbon emissions, improve local air quality and make delivery rounds more efficient. Giving posties their own dedicated vehicle rather than sharing a van will help to streamline routes and speed up deliveries. The cycles can also be charged from a standard three pin plug socket, allowing them to operate from any delivery office, including sites with limited yard space or electricity capacity.

The rollout builds on Royal Mail’s growing investment in its zero emission fleet. Following the introduction of its first micro electric vehicles (MEVs) last year, the company is now expanding its range of zero emission delivery vehicles for urban routes. Unlike an MEV, the Pedal 4 does not require a licensed driver, opening up delivery opportunities to a wider range of people. It can also operate on roads with speed limits of up to 30 miles per hour, cycle lanes, cycle paths and greenways.

The fully electric Pedal 4 has a range of up to 37 miles and a cargo capacity of 2.5 m³. Designed specifically for commercial deliveries, it combines durability, stability and reliability for demanding urban routes.

Mark Riley, delivery design manager at Royal Mail, said: ‘Our new electric cargo cycles mark another important step towards reaching net zero by 2040 and making our delivery network more efficient for the future. They will help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve, while creating new opportunities for people to join Royal Mail without needing a driving licence.’

Patrick Bion, chief executive officer at Minimal, said: ‘Royal Mail operates one of the most demanding delivery networks in the country. Its decision to scale Pedal 4 throughout the UK is the clearest possible signal that right sized electric vehicles will be central to how we move goods through cities more efficiently.’