Busy Bee EV (BB-EV) has launched a new e-cargo bike to address the growing need for an all-weather solution for last-mile deliveries.

The e-cargo bike offers customisable cargo pods, including flatbed and wire cage pods making them also suitable for refuse collection or landscaping businesses.

It comes equipped with 4.62kW - 48V/12V three cell 'hot-swap' batteries as standard, giving around 50 miles of range, with a 12-battery stall 'hot-swap' recharging cabinet available.

Paul Farrell, BB-EV’s founder, told Fleet News that safety and comfort are prioritised, with features such as a driver cabin safety cell, adjustable ergonomic driver seat with seat belt, lights, four surround proximity detectors, rear reversing camera and a large LCD visual display screen.

The bikes, which are available to buy or lease, boast a four calliper, oversize disc hydraulic braking system with handbrake and electric regen, forged magnesium rear wheels fitted with heavy-duty, wide, custom cargo tyres and a fully electric onboard cargo pod lift/lower system.

One bike would cost in the region of £15,000, but bulk orders would see that unit cost fall.

Farrell spent an year talking to logistics companies. “What was very clear was they wanted modularity,” he said.

“After extensive discussions with global commercial B2B fleet logistics operators, we believe BB-EV represents a total last-mile delivery solution 'system' that meets the real-world needs of many operators and compliments their existing infrastructure.”

BB-EV is collaborating with Stihl for the product’s official launch. Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at Stihl GB, said: “Partnering with BB-EV for the launch of their innovative e-cargo bike is certainly something we're excited about.

“As a brand dedicated to high-quality landscaping tools, we see this collaboration as an exciting step forward in transforming last-mile delivery solutions.

“BB-EV's cutting-edge design aligns perfectly with our commitment to efficiency and battery-powered technology, and we believe this partnership is the first step to setting new standards for urban landscaping.”

The BB-EV has been developed by British engineers with aerospace and automotive experience following extensive discussions with current users of commercial e-cargo bikes, talking to both the management and their mechanics to better understand their requirements from commercial and maintenance standpoints.

Farrell concluded: “We are thrilled to bring BB-EV e-cargo bikes to the market. We believe our innovative, eco-friendly solutions are set to transform last-mile delivery, providing businesses with a reliable, efficient and sustainable option.”