Handyman company swap delivery vans for cargo bikes and find out they’re ’10 times faster’

A handyman company has swapped its delivery vans for cargo bikes and discovered they can make their deliveries “10 times faster”.

Fulham firm ManMaid is using electric cargo bikes instead of delivery vans to deliver carpentry, tiling and plumbing services to cut costs and air pollution.

Founder and chief executive of ManMaid, Mungo Morgan, said: “The biggest win with cargo bikes is the parking.

“Being able to park them right outside is a massive time saving. If we forget a screwdriver we can just pop outside and pick it up.”

Mr Morgan had previously  spent more than £7,000 a year in parking fees. 

At a capacity of 900 litres and the ability to carry up to 100 kilos, ManMaid’s e-tricycles can hold some materials and all the tools needed for the next job.

Mr Morgan said: “With the heavy traffic and the congestion, during rush hour, we’re 10 times quicker than a van would be.

“Most of my time was spent in the van. 

“I thought, ‘there’s got to be a better way to get around’.”

With zero exhaust emissions, the use of electric cargo bikes is being encouraged by Hammersmith and Fulham council to help cut air pollution levels in the borough.

The council’s most recent research shows that road transport accounts for 16 per cent of the borough’s carbon emissions.

Up to £1,000 in financial support is being offered by the council to help businesses in the borough to buy a new cargo bike. 

Pictured top: ManMaid founder Mungo Morgan (left) on the way to a job with his crew (Picture: Hammersmith and Fulham council)