Cambridge’s new cargo e-bike is the wheel deal, says MP
The CitiPod – an enclosed four-wheel e-bike being developed by Cambridge Electric Transport – has received a ringing endorsement from South Cambridgeshire’s MP.
Anthony Browne, who is minister for the decarbonisation of transport, visited the Bradfield Centre on Cambridge Science Park to test-drive the Cargo version of the vehicle – designed for last-mile deliveries.
And he said he was delighted to see innovations like this being developed by a local start-up.
“We urgently need to change and diversify our transport modes over the coming decade to achieve our zero carbon targets,” said Mr Browne, “and this vehicle matches exactly the government’s concerted programme to decarbonise transport.
“The CitiPod makes cycling far more inclusive by providing four-wheel stability, weather protection and the safety of a canopy surrounding the rider and passengers.
“I’m also pleased to see that CET is developing a passenger version of the CitiPod, which will be ideal to replace the short-distance journeys that commuters and families currently make by car. With space for two children at the back and plenty of luggage space it will be ideal for the school run, shopping and commuting.
“I’m particularly impressed that CET is working with another Cambridge start-up, Flit Bikes, on the further design of the CitiPod. It is through creative collaborations like this that we will be able to find effective zero-emission transport solutions.”
CET received government grants to build the first prototype and is now raising equity finance to further develop the design and progress to production next year.
“We plan to have CitiPods on Cambridgeshire roads and cycleways by mid-2025,” said Sean Moroney, CET’s co-founder and CEO. “The CitiPod design makes micromobility desirable and aspirational, which is needed to achieve mass adoption for business and personal mobility.”
The company will be selling the CitiPod Cargo version to last-mile delivery companies across the UK and EU and plans to set up a dealer network to provide after-sales support.
It has a target price for the CitiPod of less than £3,000 and says they will use less than 0.5p per mile in electricity consumption. Speed restricted, enabling them to conform to e-bike regulations, CET says that surrounding the rider with a protective shell will make CitiPods safer for riders and reduce injuries.
It envisages that elderly and disabled riders could use the CitiPods, thanks to their stable, three-wheel design. A rear compartment will allow children to be transported, or shopping of up to 50kg.
They will be street and cycleway legal for children aged from 14-plus, with no licence or insurance required.
And CET claims city authorities will welcome their introduction.
The company points out that most urban journeys are less than 5km in length and do not need heavy, polluting vehicles.
It argues that electric cars are not the answer, since they typically cost more than £20,000, require a massive charging infrastructure, blight cities with particulate emissions and do not solve congestion issues.
By contrast, it says CitiPods could help remove pollution and reduce congestion, effectively doubling road capacity as they are less than 700mm wide.
No new electric charging infrastructure is required and each parking space can accommodate four CitiPods.
Weighing in at less than 60kg, they could also ease the pressure on road infrastructure, while CET’s vision is that a turnkey fleet management system could enable the rapid deployment of bike share fleets across certain areas.
Details here.
