Cargo bikes: a solution for the Olympic Games in Paris and beyond

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, the French capital is preparing for significant restrictions on motorized vehicles in certain areas of the city. This presents a unique opportunity for the development of cargo bikes, particularly in a context where motorized traffic will be restricted. Read what Thomas Borie, engineer and co-founder of Pelican Cycles, has to say about GI 2024.

A significant part of Paris will be closed to motorized vehicles, which could paralyze deliveries and the operation of certain essential services. Cargo bikes, however, will be exempt from these restrictions, making it possible to ensure the necessary urban logistics, such as supplying restaurants, collecting garbage or delivering parcels.
Cargo bikes are no longer just a means of transporting children or animals. It is becoming a serious alternative to commercial vehicles for a wide range of tasks, from maintaining public spaces to helping tradesmen.

Pelican Cycles innovation

Pelican Cycles has developed an innovative solution: an electric cargo bike coupled to an equally motorized trailer, capable of carrying up to 300 kg of goods. The trailer is synchronized with the bike for smooth steering, an innovation patented by the start-up.
The idea behind this innovation is to create a versatile utility vehicle, capable of moving easily around dense urban areas without the drawbacks associated with traditional vehicles, such as traffic jams or the need for a driving license. This type of solution could also be used in industrial environments, such as RATP or Airbus sites, where the need to transport materials is constant.
By participating in regulatory committees, Pelican Cycles hopes that legislation will continue to support the development of cargo bikes as a viable alternative to motorized vehicles, while ensuring harmonious cohabitation with other users of cycle paths. With the Olympics as a catalyst, cargo bikes could well become a key element of urban logistics in Paris and other cities. How much does this type of machine cost? “Based on a bike plus trailer in the barebone version, we're looking at less than 10,000 euros, with a 2,400-euro purchase subsidy. This represents 25% of the product,” explains Thomas Borie. And to conclude, “when you look at the total cost over a year, you come out on top when you compare the volume transported with its loading capacity”.