Glasgow-based Greencity Wholefoods has started delivering products to retailers in an electric powered trike as part of its efforts to reduce diesel pollution in the city.
Made in Wiltshire, the Iceni trikes can take loads up to 250 kg. The e-cargo trike was funded through Glasgow City Council’s Co-Operative and Social Enterprise Fund.
Glasgow has the highest levels of PM2.5s in the country, with a concentration of 16 micrograms per cubic metre, whereas the WHO recommended limit value for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) is 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air. Particulates from diesel engines contribute heavily to the pollution.
The worker co-op wholesaler said it has been addressing their carbon footprint in recent years, with measures like installing solar panels at the distribution base in Dennistoun and retrofitting the existing lighting to LEDs.
Chris Wallace, who had the idea to trial the e-cargo trike, used to be a cycle courier, so knew about the capability of electrically assisted trikes.
“It’s great Greencity has supported the idea, and if we can make a success of delivering goods in e-cargo trikes in Glasgow, we would then look to expanding delivery options in other cities across Scotland and Northern England,” he said.
“Communities deserve clean air and this is one method that could help mitigate pollution. We need to see more businesses adapt to create a more resilient society.”
Long term member Scott Erwin added: "With Glasgow hosting COP26 in November, it is incumbent upon businesses to find ways to reduce their CO2 emissions and help build a cleaner infrastructure for distribution. This shows one possible alternative mode of transport that could be utilised, but we require greater investment and options on the market for electric vehicles with larger payloads to really make a difference.”
