Furthermore, the introduction of electric cargo bikes in urban logistics activities has positive effects for all the vehicle categories and all the scenarios, reaching up to 25% of reductions in external costs. Additionally, urban logistics WTW CO 2 emission impacts can be reduced by up to 73%, which represents 746 kg of CO 2 avoided emissions. The main conclusion is that cargo bikes can replace up to 10% of the conventional vans in areas with maximum linear distances of about 2 km, without changing the overall network efficiency. Acknowledging the short distance range of cargo bikes, the simulation is carried out and an estimation of the total transportation cost is performed, which includes transport and emission cost when the vehicle is driving, emission cost while idling and labor cost. Several scenarios related with the introduction of electric cargo bikes replacing conventional vans were assessed and evaluated in order to compare the effects of different market shares in the mobility of the studied area located in Porto (Portugal). Methodsįor that purpose, the measurement of the traffic key performance indicators, as well as of Well-to-Wheel energy and CO 2 emission savings is performed allowing to quantify mobility, reliability and operational efficiency indicators. This evaluation aims at clarifying if electric cargo bikes can indeed represent a sustainable mobility policy under specific boundaries, by leading to better environmental and social impacts and not hindering the operational efficiency of urban logistics activities. In terms of private interests, the studied variables cover costs levels (operation and driving) and efficiency. Under a public policy perspective, the considered variables evaluate mobility, environmental impacts and indirectly, the quality of life. The paper assess the impacts of electric cargo bikes, from a public policy perspective and, simultaneously, taking into account variables that cover the urban logistics operators’ interests.

One increasingly popular measure is the use of cargo bikes in city logistics due to their improved energy efficiency, lower emissions and lower traffic disturbance.

European Commission has promoted actions and policies with the aim of reducing the negative impacts on traffic and environment caused by city logistics.

Cargo Transport Simulator