Testimonials

Doing the courier rounds in a van was very definitely a job - it felt like work. It often felt like overkill, though, as driving a vehicle with a small load (internal post and letters for processing), knowing that the contents could fit in a smaller ‘vehicle’.

I’d often end up feeling sluggish by the end of the round. Finding parking close to my destination was hard to find and often was fiddly to get in and out of.

I was disconnected from the environment I was going through. I was aware that sitting still apart from moving the controls was not helping my fitness.

In the summer, it felt like I was wasting the sunshine sitting in the van.

I found it quite easy to use the eCargo bike. Though there are a few differences from riding a normal bike, I found I adjusted quickly to using it.

Some other reasons why I like the cargo bike are:

• it has its own central stand, so it does not need to be leaned against things
• it’s easy to load as the cargo box lid holds itself open
• it can carry quite a lot, and as it carries the load low down, it's well-balanced
• the e-cargo bike’s electric motor makes it easier to cycle up hills (a real help in Brighton!)
• unlike carrying loads in pannier bags on a rear rack, the box is in front of the rider, so it's easy to judge fitting through gaps

It doesn't feel like work; I enjoy using it. I like the fact that I am getting exercise as I am working. At the end of a delivery round, although I’m a bit tired from the exercise, I don’t feel sluggish.

It's always easy to find somewhere to ‘park’ the e-cargo bike close to my destination.

I feel connected with the world around me. It’s a conversation starter. Lots of people have asked me about it. I like that it means the courier service has a sustainable delivery service. Riding the e-cargo bike means I’m much less troubled by congestion on the roads.

Making courier stops at places all over Brighton & Hove and planning my routes to avoid needlessly cycling up hills twice means I have developed a more accurate 3D ‘map’ of the city in my mind.

I would say that it’s great riding these bikes and if you want to, get your boss to get you one and ride it. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to ride my one, as that would mean I wouldn’t be able to ride and enjoy it!

We had used them as a stand-in when our existing service wasn’t available, and that’s when we became aware of their green credentials. They were always willing to help out at short notice and provided a great backup to our then-existing service.

In June 2019, we started using them as our substantive delivery service, though we had used them many times before.

The contract has run smoothly and Zedify are a pleasure to deal with, we've had no issues that haven’t been dealt with promptly and efficiently and in a willing way.

We went out to a competitive tender for our delivery service, and Zedify tendered and was awarded the contract. Zedify scored very highly on both price competitiveness and quality.

Their service is great, friendly, approachable, and efficient. We often need ad hoc changes to deliveries to be made, and they're always willingly accommodated.

Zedify staff have got to know all our community staff, which has added to the personal feel of their service.

Good to work with, responsive, efficient, and flexible. They plan routes that work well for both us and them, but are always willing to change these to accommodate last-minute requests.

I would highly recommend them, so don’t hesitate to give them a go!

"BHESCo were thrilled to receive an e-cargo bike from Brighton & Hove City Council in 2020 to support their work supporting households at risk of fuel poverty in the city.

BHESCo use the cargo bike to visit vulnerable clients in their homes and install energy saving measures such as LED lights, draft-excluders, and secondary glazing. 

Having the bike means BHESCo energy advisors can carry a variety of stock to suit different properties, without having to make multiple trips.

Diane Smith, Operations Director of BHESCo, said: “The bike has been a great help and saved loads of time and resource. As a community energy co-op it's important for us to use low-carbon transport to visit our clients, and the e-cargo bike aligns perfectly with our values. We're very grateful to Brighton & Hove City Council for awarding us the bike."

BHESCo

We've been using our e-Cargo for 5 years now and in that time, have cycled 7,300 miles. One battery gives a 20 mile range, so the bike doesn't leave the city.

The bike is very useful, given the restrictions that the council puts on motor vehicles. In our van I find myself driving many extra miles to avoid the bus lanes etc. The bike can be more direct and is certainly much easier to park.

In summary, cheap to run, easy to get around the city, a decent load capacity. But, struggles with our poor roads and if you do business outside the city limits, another vehicle will be needed.

Brighton Gin

Before discovering Brighton & Hove City Council’s e-Cargo Bike Accelerator Project getting to various job sites across the city was a constant headache for me. I was often stuck in traffic in my van, parking was a nightmare, and fuel and parking costs were eating into profits. Time wasted in traffic meant less time on jobs, which again impacts on my profit and productivity.

Since I started using an Omnium e-cargo bike, my entire approach to work has changed. I can now navigate busy streets with ease, often getting to jobs faster than if I were in my van. This has not only saved me valuable time but has also allowed me to take on more, smaller projects in a day. The ability to use cycle lanes means I avoid traffic and arrive at sites less stressed and ready to work.

My bike is surprisingly capable of carrying essential tools and even some decent-sized materials safely and securely. I was initially sceptical, but it's proven to be a reliable and solid workhorse. Loading and unloading is straightforward, and it's much easier to park right at the client's door. It hasn't totally replaced the van, but it has greatly reduced its use.

I would recommend using an e-cargo to any self-employed tradesperson, like myself, who operate in urban areas. It's not just a way to get around; it's a smart business decision that saves money, time, stress and has great health benefits physically and mentally. It's truly changed how I work for the better. 

Jonathan Cromwell

Thanks to the council’s eCargo Bike Accelerator project I now run my business from an Urban Arrow eCargo bike. I’m yet to tire of stating how much it has changed my life both personally and in the use for my trade. I’m a painter and decorator. I recently clocked 5,000 miles. Miles not in a van, not stuck in traffic not looking for or paying for parking spaces.

Healthier in body and mind.  I sold my works van after 2 months of having the bike and by my calculations I save £100 a week, adding together fuel, travel time, van maintenance and parking costs. I have noticed a change is other tradespeople’s thoughts on using a bike. It is now seen as viable alternative and it’s interesting seeing this change.  I talk to a lot of trades. With more cycle paths being built, more funding should be available to expand this project. Did I mention how much it’s changed my life!

Frank France

Daniel has been an inspiration in steering Brighton & Hove City Council’s e-Cargo Bike Accelerator Project. It's been an amazing journey, and I look forward to seeing where the project takes future transport infrastructure.

Lorah Pierre

I received an Omnium cargo bike from the Council's eCargo Bike Accelerator Project about two years ago. It allows me to run my entire business with freedom and I can travel in the city in a zero emission and fluid way that couldn't be done any other way. I'm so grateful for the support I received from this project.

Liam Thomas

Over the last 2 years I have been working with the most reliable member of staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I am not talking about a human but my beloved Omnium e-cargo bike. I am a mobile bicycle mechanic working in Brighton & Hove. Before I met this bike, I was struggling to carry my tools and equipment on a non-electric cargo bike. Which frankly was an ordeal and how the e-cargo bike has changed this!

I no longer crawl up the hills of Hannover, I can spin up them blissfully. I can also carry more kit to fix more bikes and more complex problems. The difference in my productivity and output has revolutionised my business. All of this and it's a wonderful thing to ride and has inexhaustible uses. I feel I'm still just scratching the surface with what the bike and I can do. 

Hambridge Cycles

Acquiring an e-cargo bike through the council’s E-cargo Bike Accelerator Project has had a huge impact on how I work, especially when it comes to jobs in the city centre and along the seafront. These areas can be really challenging when it comes to traffic and parking, but the e-cargo bike has made it so much easier to get around efficiently and without stress.

When I’m working on larger projects, I usually take my vehicle on the first day to drop off my tools and heavier equipment. After that, I switch to the e-cargo bike for the rest of the job, travelling back and forth between the site, suppliers, and other clients as needed. It’s quick, convenient, and I never have to worry about finding or paying for parking, which saves both time and money.

There’s also a real environmental benefit. I’m using the van much less, especially for short trips that don’t really justify burning fuel. Knowing that I’m reducing my carbon footprint by choosing a greener mode of transport feels like a step in the right direction.

On top of that, there’s the health aspect; using the bike regularly has helped me stay more active, and I’ve definitely noticed the difference in terms of fitness and energy levels. It’s no longer a chore getting to work; I actually look forward to the journey.

Overall, the e-cargo bike is practical, eco-friendly, and has made my working life in Brighton & Hove a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. It's also been a talking point, and lots of passers-by have shown interest in the bike, which has led to conversations regarding work.

Dominic Grout

In 2023, Harriet's of Hove received an Urban Arrow electric cargo bike from the Brighton & Hove City Council eCargo Bike Accelerator Project. We can confidently say that it has dramatically changed the way we operate and helped grow a successful delivery service. 

We are so thankful for the opportunity to gain this fundamental asset to our business and are so pleased it aligns so wonderfully with our business and sustainability goals. It has proved a great tool for promoting our business and it gains a lot of positive attention. The bike substantially improved our remit for working with new businesses and customers. We can now reach out to people we were previously unable to serve. 

Our in-house bike rider is delighted in their role and has commented that riding the bike has improved their work mentality and enjoyment of the job.  

As a whole, we are delighted with being able to offer a sustainable delivery service and system and now wouldn't consider any other way.  

Harriet - Business Owner

It’s been great having the electric bike to complete my city appointments as I have not had to think or pay for parking. Also the wellbeing element has been great for my fitness and at times it feels like I'm not even at work when I'm riding round Brighton & Hove. The freedom the bike has given me to stop where I like and enjoy the areas of Brighton I would not of driven.

Charles Mitten

I used to get around town for my work by public transportation, taxis, or multiple trips on my regular bike. I heard about Brighton & Hove City Council’s eCargo bike project through a friend who is also a recipient. I got my ecargo bike in September 2023, and since then, I've done 4,278 miles.

What I love about using the ecargo bike is the freedom it gives me to move around town without worrying about parking. It's perfect for carrying heavy loads and lots of pottery. Recently, we've been using it more for running ceramic workshops. It allows us to park right in front of the venue, unload all our equipment easily, and then head back to the studio with our precious creations.

Since using the ecargo bike, our ability to offer workshops has expanded, and traveling between drop-offs and venues has become much more efficient. On a personal level, it’s helped me to drop my daughter off at nursery before starting my day at the studio. It also makes collecting vital materials from various suppliers much easier.

To other Brighton & Hove businesses and traders: GET ONE! It will transform how you work and could open up new opportunities for your business. Plus, it’s a real conversation starter with clients, who are often really impressed to see it as a core part of your operations.

Rosalind Poerwantoro

I received a Tern GSD cargo bike from the Council's eCargo Bike Accelerator Project about two years ago and have enjoyed so many benefits from the shift from van to bike. I work as both and skateboard coach and a photographer and both roles are predominantly centred within the city centre and involve carrying lots of kit. 

I was spending a lot of time in traffic and a lot off additional money on parking. Being able to use my e-cargo bike means I can carry all my kit safely and enjoy fresh air and keeping fit whilst also doing my work. It really is a win-win all round and I am so grateful for the work Daniel Bianco is doing to keep our city greener, cleaner and less congested. 

Thank you, Daniel, and the eCargo Bike Accelerator project! 

Sarah B 

Receiving an e-cargo bike through the E-Cargo Bike Accelerator Project has been a game-changer for my business. As a sole-trader gardener, I spend lots of my time travelling between local jobs with tools and equipment. 

The bike's been amazing. It helps transport tools for day-to-day jobs and also allows me to move around Brighton far more efficiently. I no longer have to worry about parking charges, traffic, or fuel costs, and most importantly, it's helped me reduce my carbon footprint. I use electric tools wherever possible, and the bike aligns with the eco-friendly ethos of the business.

I am very grateful for the support from Brighton & Hove City Council. It has helped me sustainably grow my business while also making a tangible difference to the local environment.

Seb Stall

After learning about Brighton & Hove City Council’s eCargo bike initiative through our local community, we integrated one into our day-to-day operations and it has since become a valuable asset for us - enhancing ease of city-centric deliveries, reducing logistical overheads, and supporting our commitment to sustainable business practices. 

What we love most is the flexibility it gives us. The eCargo bike handles everything from bulk coffee deliveries to our own coffee houses as well as delivering stock and servicing espresso machines at our wholesale partner businesses. We can park up directly outside venues, unload and be back on the road in minutes. It’s become an essential part of how we support our customers and maintain equipment across Brighton & Hove. 

Since adopting the eCargo bike, our operational efficiency has noticeably improved. We’ve streamlined stock movements between sites and reduced reliance on delivery vans. 

To other Brighton & Hove businesses, try it! We couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s a smart logistics solution, great for brand awareness and our customers love seeing it in action around the city - it’s sparked so many conversations about sustainability and innovation in the coffee industry. Here’s to many more.

Trading Post Coffee