Seattle residents may soon enjoy less congested roads and faster delivery times. That's because the City Council recently approved a proposal from the Seattle Department of Transportation to utilize electric cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries.
As Government Technology magazine reported a week before the council's approval, SDOT officials stated that the new rule would free up parking spaces, reduce traffic — especially in downtown areas — and decrease air pollution throughout the city.
Since delivery trucks account for a significant portion of the traffic issues plaguing Seattle, employing e-bikes for small parcels could really help to address the problem. E-cargo bikes can carry around 800 pounds, according to GovTech, allowing them to hold multiple packages at once and slash wait times for curbside deliveries downtown.
The outlet noted that an e-cargo bike program would also contribute to the city's target of having at least 30 percent of deliveries done by clean vehicles by 2030, according to Katherine Rice, SDOT's electrification program manager. Following the City Council's approval in late September, the proposal now goes to the Mayor's office for consideration.
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The city estimates that around 100 e-cargo bikes will deliver packages in the program's first year, anticipating that around 500 will be on the roads by 2030.
On an individual level, investing in an e-bike can help commuters save tons of money on transit by reducing money spent on gas and maintenance, while also providing plenty of health benefits through exercise. Neighbors will also appreciate the benefits, as e-bikes don't release harmful and heat-trapping pollutants into the air.
The new and certified pre-owned e-bike seller Upway is a great place to find the right bike for your needs, as the company offers a selection from a wide array of brands at prices up to 60 percent off retail.
Pairing your e-bike with home solar panels can help you save even more by reducing charging costs. EnergySage can support prospective buyers with all things solar — the company is a TCD-vetted source for quotes from local solar installers.
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For those who want to sell their bike, Upway can give a quick estimate after a seller submits photos and answers a few basic questions. If approved, the company will send the seller an offer, ship a bike box to their door, and pick it up for free.
Jeff Woodruff, the chief operating officer of the popular Seattle-based chain Pagliacci Pizza, can attest to the numerous benefits of owning an electric bike, especially for those living in a large city.
"Our e-bike riders are more efficient than car drivers," Woodruff told GovTech. "They can just zip by the backup on Boren, for example. There's not a lot of limitation to what they can do. It's pretty impressive."
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