Since the arrival of Deliveroo, Uber-Eats, and e-commerce delivery platforms, the French have adopted home delivery with the prerogative: fast, inexpensive and eco-responsible delivery.
According to a FEVAD study, internet sales reached nearly 30 billion euros in the 1st quarter of 2021 and more than 80% of French people have their packages delivered to their home or workplace.
To meet the accelerating pace of this new consumer trend, we are witnessing a rise in the power of delivery players. However, everyone is faced with the problem of the “delivery vehicle” and its constraints.
Problems of so-called traditional vehicles
These are none other than vans and/or scooters with internal combustion engines, which have had their day, because it now seems absurd to deliver small parcels in such large vehicles, and their eco-responsible approach is almost non-existent.
More seriously, these vehicles seem less and less suited to last mile urban delivery for many reasons.
Firstly, the question of road congestion arises. Urban space is today congested due to a growing population, correlated with a constantly growing number of vehicles.
Then there is the problem of noise pollution, induced by the density of traffic and the noise of thermal engines. We will quickly move on to parking difficulties: a real headache for delivery people/transporters.
Last but not least, last mile delivery in urban areas is very expensive: it represents more than 20% of total delivery costs. It is therefore important to control costs.
Let us not forget that our society is called upon to adopt eco-responsible behavior, which delivery players must take into account in their equation.
In summary, the field findings are unequivocal: last mile delivery is expensive, accounts for 20% of traffic, occupies a significant part of the road, and is the source of significant CO2 emissions.
We must therefore reinvent delivery vehicles, alternatives which reconcile economic and ecological requirements, and which have both a strong capacity for adaptation and an innovative character.
This is the bet that VelyVelo has made by offering electrically assisted bicycles designed for last mile delivery and dedicated services with high added value.
The bicycle, in all its forms (cargo, tricycle, two-wheeler) no longer has to prove itself:
- In terms of speed: in town, it proves effective for the delivery of small packages (18 km/h versus 15 km/h for the scooter; as for the car, a bicycle courier is 1.5 or even 2 times faster).
- In terms of economic relevance: the average cost is reduced by 50% compared to a thermal scooter and much more for a light utility vehicle.
- In terms of the image conveyed to the end customer.
VelyVelo’s innovative approach
VelyVelo wanted to shake up the codes and offer delivery players both vehicles to adapt to their profession and a series of services designed for them, allowing them to manage their fleet in the most optimal way.
Which vehicles for which types of deliveries
- Electric bikes with bag or box
Thanks to suitable equipment and bicycles, couriers/deliverers can deliver a wide range of products: meals, shopping, mail and small packages.
The only restrictions: the average distances traveled and their locations within the city. Distances of less than 10km and very central locations in urban areas should be favored.
- Tricycles or cargo bikes
These bikes have a greater loading capacity (up to 300L) and retain their ability to be fast since they can use cycle paths and other infrastructure dedicated to cycling. It is considered the future of urban logistics in crowded cities.
- Tricycles and other modules such as trailers
These vehicles can transport almost everything in terms of volume and weight. Modules are also being developed to increase transport capacities such as rear trailers.
Cyclo-logistics:
The cyclo-logistics is defined as the use of professional bicycles for the delivery of goods.
In a show of support and in order to “promote the acceleration of bicycle delivery activities”, the Ministry of Ecological Transition presented a national plan for the development of cycle logistics in France. This strengthens existing measures and introduces the conversion bonus and the “Colis Activ'” system financed by energy saving certificates (EEC).
The delivery bike therefore has many good years ahead of it.
About VelyVelo:
VelyVelo, created in 2017, is today the leader in the leasing of electrically assisted bicycles for delivery professionals in France, with more than 4,000 bicycles in circulation in 2021, and is recognized by its customers as the expert in the management of delivery fleet.
VelyVelo was born from a reflection around the catering sector and then expanded to last mile delivery globally.
VelyVelo's innovative approach consists of offering bicycles designed for delivery but also equally important services such as maintenance, repair and fleet management. VelyVelo's strength is its ability to precisely assess the needs of its customers and provide turnkey solutions.
