Using an ecargo bike
Jake, a Lighting Engineer and the company owner of StarTek Lighting, uses an ecargo bike for work and family life. He has a Rad Power Bike RadWagon 4, which he’s had since 2020, and he’s travelled approximately 10,000 miles since he took ownership of it.
Jake got an e-bike after trying a friend’s one on the South Downs in 2019. Since then, he’s convinced that ecargo bikes are perfect for work in Brighton, particularly as he lives in Withdean. His commute to the site takes just 10 minutes.
“Originally I purchased the bike for environmental and fitness reasons, rather than using the car, but I have since discovered as well as being considerably more economic to run than a car it is actually more convenient to get places.”
Jake Sharpstone, Lighting Engineer, StarTek Lighting.
How using an ecargo bike has helped StarTek Lighting
Before using the long-tail ecargo bike, Jake used a car for work on several lighting projects in Brighton & Hove, such as the Mazda Fountain in Valley Gardens. Travelling to Brighton would take him 20 to 30 minutes, and finding parking was stressful.
Since he switched to an ecargo bike, his commute takes about 10 minutes, and carrying his tools and equipment is no problem.
Jake has been responsible for servicing and maintaining the Mazda Fountain in town since 2019 and has done this mainly by using his Rad Power cargo bike. His ecargo bike gives him versatility, and journey times are much more predictable and reliable.
“If I have to meet people on site, I know very accurately how long it will take me to get there, as traffic congestion is no issue on the bike and I don’t have to look for parking, I also find it less stressful that being in a car, as well I appreciate the exercise it provides, without too much exertion - as the motor does the hard graft on the hills."
Jake Sharpstone, Lighting Engineer, StarTek Lighting.
Jake’s cargo bike has replaced the family’s second car. He uses it for school runs, as it's also equipped for carrying passengers. He then journeys onwards into town for work. He feels freer on the bike and finds riding de-stressing.
The benefits of using an ecargo bike
The positives of using the ecargo bike include:
- predictable journey times
- it can carry up to 80kg of tools and equipment for work
- it's easy and free to park
- it averages about 150 miles per month
- it's quicker to navigate the streets in town
Switching to cargo bikes reduces the environmental and social impact of deliveries and services in our cities. This contributes towards Brighton & Hove City Council’s Carbon Neutral 2030 goal.