Nüwiel trailers can travel at up to 25 km/h. — Photography Courtesy of Nüwiel/AFP Relaxnews
As an alternative to cargo bikes, a German startup is offering delivery professionals electric trailers that can be attached directly to any bike. Tailored to the goods to be transported, they allow for so-called last-mile delivery without emitting CO2 into the air.
Nüwiel has developed a trailer that can be hooked up to any conventional or electric bicycle in just a few seconds. It can thus be used to replace regular (and polluting) delivery trucks, with no need to invest in a cargo bike.
The manufacturer states that its trailer has a suspension system that allows it to ride on any terrain, including cobblestones, without being affected by vibrations. It is also easy to maneuver inside buildings and can even ride in an elevator. Depending on whether it is pulled by a bicycle or on foot by a person, its speed can reach 25 or 6 km/h. The volume of transported goods can be up to 1 cubic meter, for a maximum weight of 150 kg. A version geared up for professionals offers a large customizable loading box.
This mobility solution is intended to be sustainable and practical, especially for avoiding traffic jams. Once the trailer is disconnected from the bike, it can then be used for other purposes.
This solution represents an alternative to cargo bikes, which are becoming increasingly popular with companies such as DHL and Amazon, who already use them for deliveries in several major cities. The use of cargo bikes for so-called last-mile deliveries is indeed being considered in many large cities and several initiatives are already, or will soon be, carried out in this field. Such initiatives also respond to demand from carriers and delivery firms, who are now faced with the challenge of switching to cleaner transport solutions. – AFP Relaxnews
