E-Cargobikes: Central Switzerland businesses receive support

The Albert Koechlin Foundation (AKS), founded in 1997, regularly supports sustainable projects in the fields of social welfare, education, culture, business and the environment in Central Switzerland. According to the foundation's purpose, the focus is always on the common good. As part of the "clever unterwegs" project, the foundation is currently supporting companies that want to change their logistics sustainably by purchasing an e-cargo bike. Central Swiss companies can choose from a limited number of different models of e-cargo bikes or trailers. Interested companies can now obtain information and apply online at cleverunterwegs.ch/e-cargobike. The current application window is open until all the e-cargobikes available this year have been allocated. A next application window is planned for spring 2023.

Foundation covers 60 percent of the acquisition costs

The integration of e-cargo bikes requires changes in everyday operations as well as upfront investments. Thanks to the financial support of the AKS, the purchase of an e-cargo bike becomes sustainable and financially viable. Companies that want to replace journeys previously made by car or van with an e-cargo bike receive financial support from the foundation amounting to 60 percent of the purchase costs. In addition to the purchase, the overall package includes an initial service after one year and appropriate labeling.

Companies whose applications are considered can receive advice from the specialist dealer Velociped in Kriens, view the available models and test ride them. After choosing the right model, the labeling will be realized in consultation with the company, so that the companies can take delivery of their e-cargo bike this summer.

E-Cargobikes: Advantages over short distances

The use of an e-cargo bike has many advantages for businesses. For inner-city trips of up to 3 kilometers, the e-cargo bike is faster than cars or delivery trucks. This means that businesses can reach their customers or branches more quickly and efficiently, without losing time in traffic jams or when looking for a parking space. In addition, the use of e-cargobikes can bring a commitment to climate protection into focus. However, so far only a few businesses have discovered these advantages for themselves and ventured to purchase an e-cargo bike. According to project manager Andreas Merz, the Albert Koechlin Foundation wants to break down this barrier with its commitment and help the e-cargo bike achieve a breakthrough: "In this way, we are opening up an additional, sustainable form of mobility for companies, which has long since become established in the private mobility of families."

Successful implementation with pilot operations

Together with Feinwerk and El Imposible Roasters, AKS has already been able to put the first two e-cargo bikes and trailers into operation as part of a pilot project. According to owner Sacha Zbinden, this is a long-awaited dream come true for the Feinwerk team: "Since we often work in the center of Lucerne, the e-cargobike and trailer now make it quicker and easier for us to get to the customer and back to the workshop.

For Mario Waldispühl, co-owner of the Horw-based roastery El Imposible Roasters and restaurateur, the new trailer also offers many advantages: "With the large trailer, we can handle coffee deliveries more efficiently and, in the future, also travel to events in the area and serve coffee directly from the trailer. This will allow us to take another step towards sustainable coffee enjoyment."

More information: cleverunterwegs.ch/e-cargobike