Europcar Mobility Group UK launches e-bikes across network

Europcar Mobility Group UK has invested in electric bikes across its network to help enhance the efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in its delivery and collection service.

As part of 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.

The group said the initiative provides a sustainable alternative to requiring an additional car and driver for every delivery and collection customer, reduces CO2 emissions, cuts journeys and frees up staff for other customer-facing activities.

Ron Santiago, managing director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “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.

“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.” 

Following a successful three-month trial in Birmingham, the company is rolling out the e-bikes across its UK network and is expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 28,000kg in 2022 when comparing like for like journeys using an additional Europcar driver and car for the delivery and collection.

The initiative forms part of Europcar Mobility Group UK’s pledge to maximise carbon reduction within its business and is in support of the group’s ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme.