Electric cargo bike pilot project launched in Tartu

The Velorent pilot project has been launched in the Estonian city of Tartu. The project is part of the CyclUrban+ project, which is supported by the European Climate Change Programme, and will run until the end of summer 2021. The pilot project aims to test the interest of individuals, businesses, and potential providers in the use of cargo bikes. The aim of the Tartu City Government is that the private sector will express an interest in providing cargo bikes as a service, as a result of the pilot.

Three different types of electric cargo bikes will be available to rent. One type of bike is specifically for the transport of goods, however the other two will be equipped with seatbelts and can be used to transport people. The maximum cargo for each bike will be 80 kg. Tartu Linnatransport will be in charge of managing the rental of the cargo bikes, having previously managed the successful organisation of the Tartu Smart Bike Share. The cargo bikes will be available to rent for a weekly charge of €25. 

According to Deputy Mayor Raimond Tamm, the project represents a step towards Tartu meeting its goal of increasing the proportion of environmentally sustainable modes of urban transport in use in the city. The cargo bikes will provide an additional transport option with a variety of potential applications for individuals including bringing groceries home from the shops, and transporting children to nursery or school. In addition, businesses can use the bikes while arranging corporate logistics. By commencing during the winter, the project aims to build on the increase of year-round cycling in Tartu, moving away from the perception that cycling is only a seasonal mode of transport.

In order to develop a user-friendly service, feedback from cargo bike users at the end of the project in the summer will be essential. Based on this feedback, the future number of bicycles, along with the selection of the type of cargo bike to be included in the scheme, will be determined.

The City Government encourages individuals and businesses who would like to get involved in the project and test whether cargo bikes can be incorporated into their daily activities to get in contact at velorenttartu [dot] ee (velorent[at]tartu[dot]ee).

The original article was published by www.themayor.eu on 22 January 2021 and is available at: Tartu launches cargo bike pilot project | TheMayor.EU