Cargo bikes and LEVs as a smart alternative for urban and business transport
Jul 14, 2025
•Bram van Duinen•3 min. reading timeCities are facing stricter environmental regulations, increasing traffic congestion, and a growing demand for clean, efficient delivery options. While sustainable transport was long primarily an ambition on paper, we are now seeing a clear shift toward tangible applications in practice. New vehicle concepts, technological innovations, and smart collaborations are making it possible to truly reshape urban logistics. For fleet owners and logistics planners, this means exploring, experimenting, and investing in flexible solutions that align with the dynamic nature of the city.
Sustainable Urban Mobility on the Rise
More and more companies are choosing cleaner transport solutions within city centers. In addition to electric vans, cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular. One alternative that is gaining ground is the longtail bike, an extended bicycle with a large rear rack. These bikes offer a strong combination of load capacity and agility, and are easier to park than traditional cargo bikes. They are also suitable for a wide variety of transport needs.
Innovations such as smart trailers make it possible to temporarily convert a regular bicycle into a freight bike with added cargo capacity, without requiring a major investment.
Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) for Efficient Urban Logistics
The number of Light Electric Vehicles on the market is growing rapidly. These compact electric vehicles, known from examples like the delivery vehicles used by Picnic, are designed for efficient urban mobility. Many LEVs are equipped with pedals but no chain, using a drive by wire system for propulsion.
Because they are legally classified as bicycles, no driver’s license is needed to operate them. This makes them especially attractive to employers and fleet owners, who can assign a wider group of employees to urban delivery and service tasks.
Low Total Cost of Ownership and High Vehicle Availability
Fleet managers are focused on keeping the cost per kilometer low and avoiding unnecessary downtime. For transporting heavier goods in urban areas, LEVs offer a strong solution. Their cargo space is often designed to fit standard roll containers. Cargo bikes can also serve well in business use, provided they maintain high availability and low operational costs.
PENDLR works with a nationwide network of mobile repair partners. Through smart inventory management and next day delivery of spare parts, repairs can be carried out quickly, keeping your fleet running smoothly.
PENDLR is also launching test programs to include LEV components in its product range. The goal is to soon offer a complete parts package that covers both cargo bikes and LEVs.
Are you a fleet manager exploring sustainable urban transport?
Get in touch with us. Together we can explore the options and share valuable insights.
Bram van Duinen
Performance Marketeer
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