Europcar Mobility Group UK is using electric bikes across its network to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions for its delivery and collection service.   

Folding e-bikes are placed in the boot of a customer’s vehicle to be used by the Europcar delivery driver – otherwise known as a ‘hiker’ – to travel either to or from the customer’s addres

The move, which supports the global group’s ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme, is expected to reduce carbon emissions for deliveries and collections by at least 28,000kg in 2022, as well as achieving significant operational benefits. 

Under the initiative, folding e-bikes are placed in the boot of a customer’s vehicle to be used by the Europcar delivery driver – otherwise known as a ‘hiker’ – to travel to and from the customer’s address.  

It provides a sustainable alternative to requiring an additional car and driver for every delivery and collection customer, not only slashing CO2 emissions but also cutting journeys and freeing up staff for other customer-facing activities. It also helps significantly with vehicle allocation during the current supply shortages.

The e-bikes are now being rolled out across Europcar’s UK network following a successful three-month trial in Birmingham, supporting the company’s pledge to maximise carbon reduction within its business.   

“The introduction of the e-bikes to support our delivery and collection service is another step towards reducing carbon emissions in line with our ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme,” explained Ron Santiago, managing director, Europcar Mobility Group UK. 

“Our ‘hikers’ will use the compact, easy-to-fold bikes when delivering and collecting vehicles which not only helps cut CO2 emissions, especially in built-up city areas, but also presents additional operational advantages at a time when vehicle supply is limited.”