Hermes Significantly Expands Collaboration with ONOMOTION in Berlin

A total of 18 cargo bikes from the brand ONOMOTION will be deployed for Hermes in the Berlin city center over the next few weeks. Nine cargo bikes are already delivering shipments emissions-free in the districts of Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Schöneberg starting immediately. Hermes is once again sending a clear signal for the use of cargo bikes in urban areas.

(Hamburg/Berlin) Hermes Germany and the Berlin-based cargo bike manufacturer ONOMOTION are intensifying their commitment: Over the next few weeks, a total of 18 new cargo bikes – three-wheeled, pedal-assisted cargo bikes – will be used in the Berlin city center as part of home delivery services. The goal is for these futuristic-looking vehicles to replace conventional transporters and reduce emissions. In 2019, the parcel service provider successfully tested the prototype of the Pedal Assisted Transporter (PAT). The new cargo bikes in the Hermes fleet are also the first vehicles delivered by ONO. Nine cargo bikes are already delivering shipments emissions-free in the Berlin city center.

Cooperation is an Important Building Block

“The cooperation with ONOMOTION is an important building block of our mobility concept ‘Urban Blue’ and thus a clear part of our future strategy,” explains Hendrik Schneider, Chief Financial Officer at Hermes Germany. “We are sending a clear signal for the use of cargo bikes on the last mile and further advancing emissions-free delivery in Berlin.” The 18 new PATs are part of a 12-month long-term test and will primarily be used in the districts of Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Schöneberg.
“The market launch of the ONO PAT initially focuses on the rapidly growing KEP industry. Hermes is an important partner for us to contribute to reducing traffic volume and emissions in cities,” says Beres Seelbach, CEO of ONOMOTION GmbH.

New Vehicle Class for the Last Mile

The advantages of the ONO cargo bike are clear: Equipped with two electric motors, the delivery personnel can cover approximately 30 kilometers per battery charge. They are supported by pedal assistance of up to 25 kilometers per hour. Additionally, the delivery personnel sit in a weatherproof cabin on ergonomic seats and benefit from a reverse gear with distance sensors. Legally, the PAT is classified as a bicycle, but with a possible payload of more than 220 kilograms, it is more akin to a small transporter. With the electric mini transporter, ONO is practically creating a new vehicle class. “With the enormous payload, we want to replace as many conventional transporters as possible with the new cargo bikes,” says Hendrik Schneider. “In addition, there are numerous advantages such as the elimination of parking searches, shorter distances from the vehicle to our customers, and of course the significant CO₂ savings with every tour.”
The cargo bikes will cover a daily route length of six to eight kilometers each and carry approximately 100 shipments – including reloading – on board.

From Micro-Depot Directly into the City

An important aspect for inner-city delivery via pedelecs is the micro-depots located centrally for the fine distribution of shipments. In Berlin, Hermes delivers directly to end customers from three micro-depots. Shipments are sorted at night in the logistics center in Ketzin, Brandenburg, and then delivered to the small distribution centers. Here, the cargo bike delivery personnel begin their delivery tour. Due to the short distances, the pedelec can be easily recharged after the first tour’s shipments have been delivered.
Photo: © Hermes
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