Hermes Tests Cargo Bike Prototype Mubea eCargo in Leipzig

Hermes continues its tests in the cargo bike sector in Leipzig: In July, the parcel service provider evaluated the prototype eCargo from the manufacturer Mubea in regular operation. The cargo vehicle specifically developed for the KEP industry by the automotive supplier was used for deliveries in the districts of Mockau and Eutritzsch, transporting an average of nearly 70 shipments per day. Once again, the city center of Leipzig served as a test area for cargo bikes.

(Hamburg/Leipzig) Hermes is thus expanding its collaboration with cargo bike manufacturers and supports the development of alternative vehicle models for emission-free and quiet city logistics through practical application.

“Our conclusion is very positive,” explains Thomas Breunig, who accompanied the test as Last Mile Manager at Hermes Germany in the Leipzig region. “You can immediately tell that the pedelec comes from a manufacturer with automotive know-how and that a lot of work has been invested here. The body is very good, and thanks to the suspension, smooth and fast riding is possible even on bumpy routes. Throughout the entire test period, the responsible engineer from the manufacturer was on-site and available as a contact for suggestions for improvement and tips. They are very meticulous about how the prototype can be further optimized for the KEP industry.”

“With our cargo pedelec, we want to provide Hermes with a robust technical solution with automotive DNA to make logistics on the last mile emission-free. The modular vehicle design allows for flexible configuration and is also the basis for continuous development,” says Dr. Stefan Cuber, Managing Director at Mubea and head of the micromobility business unit. With the insights gained from the practical test, the automotive supplier Mubea aims to validate and further develop the eCargo.

Leipzig City Center with Ideal Testing Conditions

The starting point for the tours with the Mubea eCargo was a Hermes delivery base in the center of Leipzig. The pedelec has a range of up to 100 kilometers and is designed for daily use in the KEP sector with a payload of 335 kilograms and a loading capacity of up to two cubic meters. Approximately 70 shipments were delivered with the eCargo on average per day during the test period.

“Leipzig is currently the fastest-growing city in Germany. Accordingly, the traffic situation is tense, bringing challenges such as a shortage of parking spaces, high vehicle volume, and time-based access restrictions,” says Thomas Breunig. “Therefore, we are in constant exchange with manufacturers of alternative vehicle models that offer some advantages over traditional vans in densely populated areas while still accommodating large shipment volumes.”

Every 5th Hermes Delivery Tour in Leipzig Emission-Free

The cargo bike test fits into Hermes’ overall sustainability efforts in the Leipzig region, centered around the logistics center opened in 2019 at the Kabelsketal site. Due to the interplay of e-sprinters and cargo bikes, every fifth Hermes delivery tour in Leipzig is already emission-free. As a parcel service provider, Hermes regularly incorporates its requirements and core competencies from KEP practice in discussions with manufacturers of alternative vehicle types. These can be an important component in the mobility mix with e-transporters, especially in city center areas, to make the last mile more sustainable in the medium and long term.

Photo: © Hermes / Image caption: Approximately 70 shipments were delivered daily on average with the eCargo.