Ecomobility today – status quo and current trends
The market for light electric vehicles, cargo trailers and alternative means of transport is growing fast. But it's about more than just sustainability – these solutions are often best choice because they are more efficient, more flexible and better suited to urban use. Here are the current developments:
1. Electric cargo bikes and light electric vehicles are replacing vans and small cars
For trade and craft businesses, delivery services and maintaining public areas, electric cargo bikes and LEVs offer economically viable alternatives. Studies demonstrate that cargo bikes can be considerably faster than vans for delivering parcels, especially in busy city centres with narrow streets and limited parking options.
Best practice example: DHL Express now deploys e-cargobikes in a number of German cities. Using a cargo bike, it’s possible to deliver up to 100 parcels a day without parking problems or losing time in traffic jams.
2. Modern battery technology means greater ranges and higher load capacities
Modern batteries are giving ecomobility vehicles increasingly better performance, which is making them more attractive for commercial use. In practice, new battery systems make it possible to transport greater loads so that even heavy goods can be moved.
Best practice example: In Hamburg, pharmacies and medical service providers use electric vans to deliver medicines quickly with zero emissions. Battery technology now offers higher load capacities and longer operating times.
3. Efficient and emission-free city logistics
The combination of local public transport and sustainable micromobility is optimizing urban logistics. Goods are transported by rail to city centres, where electric cargo bikes then take over the fine distribution. This concept reduces emissions, reduces traffic congestion and utilises existing infrastructure more efficiently.
Best practice example: The LastMileTram project in Frankfurt transports parcels to the city centre by tram and then transfers them to electric cargo bikes. This means there is no need to use vans in the city centre, making deliveries more flexible and environmentally friendly – especially in traffic calming zones.
4. Smart mobility & networking – digital solutions are optimizing transport
It’s now easy to integrate ecomobility solutions perfectly into digital logistics structures. Real-time data enables more precise route planning, avoiding bottlenecks and minimizing downtimes.
Best practice example: In Switzerland, the Migros supermarket chain has introduced smart delivery logistics for cargo bikes. By using GPS tracking and automated route planning, delivery times have been significantly reduced.
“Bicycles make up to two times as many stops per hour than a delivery vehicle. The total cost of ownership over their lifetime is less than half of a van.” – CEO DHL Express Europe, John Pearson
Ecomobility in practice: REWE relies on cargo bikes for city logistics
Germany’s REWE Group provides a clear example of the economic and logistical benefits of ecomobility solutions. In cities including Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg, REWE relies on electric cargo bikes for its delivery service to bring food to customers with zero emissions.
- Cargo bikes covered 40,000 kilometres in the first year alone.
- Deliveries are made from central food fulfilment centres to local bike hubs, from where specialist logistics partners, such as VeloCarrier, take care of the last mile.
- Fast deliveries without parking problems and lower costs per delivery compared to vans.
REWE is also testing innovative approaches such as the “LieferMichel” delivery service in the small town of Michelstadt in the German state Hesse. Residents in remoter neighbourhoods are supplied with zero-emission deliveries by delivery drones and cargo bikes. This pilot project aims to sustainably improve local supply in rural areas and reduce the use of cars for smaller journeys.
This project and other examples show that ecomobility is not only being promoted for ideological reasons, but is also often the best solution for many urban transport problems.
Source: rewe-group.com
The ECOMOBILITY EXPERIENCE GALLERY at EUROBIKE 2025
From 25 to 29 June 2025, the ECOMOBILITY EXPERIENCE GALLERY in Hall 8 will be a hotspot for all visitors interested in urban mobility. Its comprehensive program includes:
- Test rides on the ECOMOBILITY test circuit
- Expert mini talks – offering a compact overview every hour
- Guided tours specifically tailored for different interest groups
- Networking, knowledge transfer and professional exchange with industry leaders
The ECOMOBILITY EXPERIENCE GALLERY is where innovative technology meets practical applications and economically viable concepts. If you’re interested in the future of mobility, don’t miss this event.
Further information & registration: Eurobike Ecomobility
To sum up
Ecomobility shows that sustainable mobility is not only ecologically sensible, but also economically and logistically efficient. Electric cargo bikes, modern battery technology and smart logistics solutions are revolutionizing urban transport and offer concrete advantages over traditional vehicles. Practical examples such as DHL, REWE and Migros prove that these concepts are already working successfully in everyday life.