Food Delivery Service Alpakas Delivers with E-Cargobike ONOMOTION

The Berlin-based delivery service Alpakas for unpackaged food has expanded its fleet for the last mile since early December with an eCargobike ONO from ONOMOTION. This means that the more than 500 organic products from the startup are delivered quickly and efficiently, as well as emissions-free. Alpakas uses the compact vehicle in numerous districts of the capital to deliver weekly groceries, but also to transport reusable containers back.

(Berlin) A clear advantage of the ONO for Alpakas is the functionality of the three-wheeled utility vehicle, which is legally classified as a bicycle, but due to its design and a payload of 200 kilograms clearly resembles small transporters. The drivers remain dry in the ONO thanks to the cabin and underbody protection. They can easily avoid traffic jams and benefit from the detachable and rollable cargo module, which has a capacity of two cubic meters, providing ample space for sturdy jute bags. Thus, the cargo module can be filled directly in the warehouses.“Food deliveries have gained enormous popularity, but often the focus is solely on convenience. We offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative,” says Alpakas founder Simon Chorzelski. In addition to the zero-waste principle, emissions-free delivery with e-cargo bikes is an important component of the delivery service’s sustainability strategy. ONOMOTION Managing Director Beres Seelbach adds: “The visions of ONOMOTION for livable city centers and the zero waste philosophy at Alpakas are the perfect complement. With the ONO, Alpakas has a vehicle available that allows the riders to deliver well in the cities year-round while being protected from the weather and splashes.”

Unpackaged Organic Products Delivered to Your Door

The consumption of packaging waste in Germany is increasing every year. At the same time, the Corona pandemic has helped food delivery services to grow. Alpakas is tackling the rising mountain of waste by preventing it from being created in the first place. The startup sources its goods in bulk. In the spacious and modern warehouse, employees fill online orders into reusable jars, cloth bags, or compostable packaging and then store everything in sturdy jute bags. The fully loaded ONO then delivers the groceries to the doorstep on weekdays in the early evening and on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and returns with the returned containers to the warehouse. Orders that arrive one hour before the delivery times can still be delivered on the same day.

Weatherproof Cabin and Underbody Plate Protect Against the Elements

Alpakas relies on the milkman principle: “Our riders drive the ONO on a previously optimized route to serve as many households as possible on one tour. This also relieves our drivers,” explains Chorzelski. They are also protected from the elements during the cold and muddy season with the weatherproof cabin and underbody plate. The detachable container module of the ONO also proves to be a clear advantage for Alpakas. On the one hand, the containers can be detached with just a few movements and rolled up a ramp into the warehouse for picking, and on the other hand, the delivery service can separate goods and returned empties with the help of retracted shelves. The groceries are not delivered on the backs of the drivers, but in the transport box. “This way, we can provide them with a stress-free and uncomplicated workplace,” says Chorzelski.

Range of 25 Kilometers Each

The necessary drive for the ONO is usually provided by two batteries with a range of 25 kilometers per charge. This is completely sufficient for a delivery tour with many short stops within a radius of about five kilometers. When the ONO returns to the warehouse, the batteries are recharged overnight with green electricity. Alpakas uses the ONO in a rental model, Vehicle-as-a-Service. The agreement includes regular maintenance, comprehensive insurance, any wear repairs, and access to the battery exchange stations from Swobbee.Photo: © ONOMOTIOION / Caption: ONOMOTION Managing Director Beres Seelbach (left) handing over the ONO to Alpakas founder Antony Roczek