Scottish worker co-op Greencity Wholefoods has started using an electric powered trike to deliver food to cafes, restaurants and retailers in Glasgow.
The wholesaler is trialling the e-cargo trike – which can take loads of up to 250kg – in an effort to help reduce diesel pollution in the city.
Co-op member Chris Wallace came up with the emissions-saving idea as he used to be a cycle courier, so knew about the capability of electrically assisted trikes. “It’s great Greencity has supported the idea, and if we can make a success of delivering goods in e-cargo trikes in Glasgow, we would then look to expanding delivery options in other cities across Scotland and Northern England,” he says. “Communities deserve clean air, and this is one method that could help mitigate pollution. We need to see more businesses adapt to create a more resilient society.”
Communities deserve clean air, and this is one method that could help mitigate pollution
Adds co-op member Scott Erwin: “With Glasgow hosting COP26 in November, it is incumbent upon businesses to find ways to reduce their CO2 emissions and help build a cleaner infrastructure for distribution. This shows one possible alternative mode of transport that could be utilised, but we require greater investment and options on the market for electric vehicles with larger payloads to really make a difference.”
The Iceni trike, which has ‘Bho Glaschu Le Gradh’ (‘From Glasgow With Love’) emblazoned on the side, was funded through Glasgow City Council’s Co-Operative and Social Enterprise Fund.
Greencity Wholefoods says it’s been addressing its carbon footprint in recent years; it has installed solar panels at its Dennistoun distribution base and is in the process of retrofitting all its existing lighting to LEDs.
