Four-wheeled electric cargo bikes may replace trucks in New York City

A proposed rule update in New York will pave the way for four-wheeled electric cargo bikes to share bike lanes and roads.

Four-wheeled electric cargo bikes are used across Asia and Europe, often for last-mile delivery, Electrek reports.

“They’re larger than typical e-bikes but much smaller than box trucks and delivery vans used in the US for last-mile delivery jobs.”

Three-wheeled e-cargo bikes are used in New Zealand, especially for deliveries in downtown city areas.

The four-wheel e-cargo bikes usually have a rear cargo box on a larger platform cargo bike frame, and use bicycle pedals paired with standard mid-drive motors.

Most US bicycle laws require either two or three wheels to be legally classified as a bicycle – with four-wheeled e-bikes yet to be included. But if the New York City Department of Transportation has its way the four-wheeler delivery bikes may be finally coming, says Electrek.

It says the proposal aims to use four-wheeled e-cargo bikes to make deliveries safer and more sustainable by reducing delivery trucks on New York City streets.

New York City mayor Eric Adams, a proponent of increased micromobility, says e-cargo bikes have been valuable for moving goods throughout the city while prioritising street safety and the environment, helping reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

The department’s figures estimate that just two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, reducing CO2 emissions by 14 tons (12.7 tonnes) annually – equivalent to 30,872 car miles (nearly 50,000km) travelled.

The NYC Department of Transport is due to hold a public hearing on the new proposed rule in mid-September.