Nick Carey

LONDON, (Reuters) – UPS announced Friday that it is testing a four-wheeled electric cargo bike called “eQuad”, which can be used to deliver goods in urban densely populated areas where bicycles are easier and more accessible. This will complement the push for electric vehicles.

UPS Vice President of Fleet Maintenance and Engineering Luke Wake told Reuters that the company is currently testing around 100 bikes designed by Fernhay in seven European countries.

Package-delivery firms are looking for new methods to reduce the costs of last mile deliveries in an era when e-commerce is exploding.

UPS’ eQuad can carry up to 200 kg (441 lb), of packages and has an electric-assisted speed of 25 km (15.5 miles). Wake stated that the electric battery can travel approximately 40 miles (64km) and would therefore be sufficient for urban roads.

Because the vehicle measures only 36 inches (91cm) in width, it is legal to use bicycle lanes and access pedestrian areas where UPS vans or trucks can’t. Normal circumstances would require drivers to exit their cars, load boxes onto carts, and then haul the packages to customers.

UPS’ Wake stated that the Atlanta-based firm sees an opportunity for the bikes to be used in greater numbers and can complement its fleet of trucks and vans.

Wake stated that there are increasing opportunities for zero emission solutions such as this to alleviate inner-city congestion. He was demonstrating the UPS eQuad in London at an UPS parcel facility. The eQuad can be used to improve our operations.

The rivals FedEx (NYSE:), Deutsche Post (OTC) and Deutsche Post (OTC) are both testing electric cargo bikes in their zero-emission vehicle plans.

UPS has also partnered with UK-based electric van manufacturers, such as Tevva and Arrival.