Deutsche Post will develop a new electric-powered bicycle for mail deliveries exploiting furtherpotential in terms of ergonomics, efficiency, safety standards and utilisation.
In cooperation with StreetScooter Research GmbH and the technical university ofRhineland-Westphalia, the German postal operator will firstly develop a concept for the vehicleaimed to reduce the delivery workload of its employees. In the second phase, 10 prototypes are dueto be trialled during delivery operations.
Deutsche Post started using ‘Pedelec’ electric bicycles in 2000 with 6,000 now deployed in thecompany’s daily operations nationwide.
Jurgen Gerdes, head of Deutsche Post DHL’s mail and parcel division, said: “As the operator ofone of the largest bicycle fleets in Germany and Europe, we know from experience that bikes withelectric pedal assistance facilitate the work of the delivery staff considerably. We believe thatthe technical development of an electric goods bicycle is not yet completed, and there is stillpotential, especially in the areas of ergonomics, load utilisation and efficiency.”
The Pedelec bicycle features an electric motor that supports the driver while pedaling. Itincludes an electronic steering mechanism that automatically prevents any motor output withoutpedal movement. About a third of all bikes deployed in Deutsche Post’s delivery operations areequipped with an electric motor at present and the number will be further extended in the comingyears.
The electric bike used for mail delivery at Deutsche Post must cover an average of 13 km daily,including a large number of stops and starts, with a payload of 50 kg operating up to 300 days peryear. Hardly any other profession makes such high demands on a Pedelec as mail delivery includingrobustness, reliability and low maintenance requirements. This in turn, demands a great deal of theframe, battery, motor, electronics and components, especially during winter. In addition, thepostal e-bike must be safe and easy to use at any time, comply with legal requirements and protectthe cargo from severe weather conditions.
