Thought about switching to a cargobike for your business?
London businesses are discovering that electric cargo bikes aren’t just good for the planet — they’re smart for business too. Faster, greener, and cost-effective, cargo bikes help with deliveries, tools, and getting around town. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and show how you can try one for yourself through schemes like Try Before You Bike and OurBike.
Why More Businesses Are Switching to Cargo Bikes — And How We Can Help You Get Started in Southwark!
Across London, businesses of all sizes are discovering that electric cargo bikes aren’t just good for the planet — they’re smart for business too. From florists and cafés to tradespeople and couriers, companies are using cargo bikes to cut costs, save time, and stand out as sustainable, community-minded leaders.
Cargo bikes are transforming urban deliveries. According to Transport for London, they can be up to 1.6 times faster than vans in central London while producing 96% less CO₂ per kilometre. Their compact size allows them to zip through cycle lanes, avoid traffic congestion, and park right outside your destination — saving valuable time and reducing stress on every trip.
Businesses using cargo bikes report a wide range of benefits:
Lower running costs: No fuel, congestion charges, or expensive parking fees.
Happier customers: Faster, more reliable deliveries build loyalty.
Stronger brand reputation: Show your commitment to sustainability and community.
Healthier teams: Encourage cycling over sitting in traffic, improving staff wellbeing.
Beyond these business benefits, cargo bikes also help create quieter, cleaner, and safer streets, supporting London’s broader goals for sustainable urban transport.
Try Before You Bike: Flexible, Risk-Free Cycling
If you want to see how a cargo bike could work for you, Try Before You Bike is a flexible scheme that lets individuals and businesses trial a bike before committing to a purchase. Perfect for commuting, deliveries, or even taking the kids to school on the way to work, it’s designed to make cycling accessible, affordable, and low-risk.
Key Features:
Monthly Subscription: Choose from a range of cargo bikes, including two- and three-wheel options.
Inclusive Package: Delivery, collection, essential accessories (helmet, lights, lock), and optional training sessions are included.
Flexible & Risk-Free: If the bike isn’t right for you, return it at no extra cost.
Purchase Option: Monthly payments can go toward buying the bike if you decide to keep it.
This is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the benefits of cycling — lowering transport costs, reducing carbon footprint, or just getting more active — without buying a bike upfront.
Special Offer for Southwark Businesses: 50% off!
Thanks to support from Southwark Council, businesses can now trial an electric cargo bike for just £150 a month — half the usual price — through the Try Before You Bike scheme. Your trial includes:
It’s a low-risk way to see how a cargo bike could transform your daily operations, whether you’re making deliveries, carrying tools, or travelling between sites.
OurBike: Another Option for Occasional Use
If you don’t need a bike regularly or want to try cycling before signing up for a longer-term scheme, OurBike could be the solution. London’s largest community-based electric cargo bike share, OurBike offers:
Affordable Pricing: Hire a bike for just £5/hour, with the first hour free for residents and 180 minutes free for businesses.
Easy Access: Bikes are hosted by local businesses and community hubs, kept well-maintained and ready to use.
Flexible Use: Perfect for deliveries, shopping, school runs, or moving large items.
Community Focused: Supports local businesses and fosters sustainable transport connections across London.
Keep an eye on our socials for exclusive OurBike offers.
Whether you’re a resident or a business, OurBike is a practical, eco-friendly way to explore cargo cycling.
Choosing the Right Cargo
Bike The right cargo bike depends on your business needs:
Box Bikes: Secure, enclosed space for deliveries needing protection from weather or theft.
Utility/Longtail Bikes: Flexible for oversized or irregular items.
Trikes and Quadricycles: Extra stability for heavy loads or uneven terrain.
Consider load capacity, battery life, and accessibility when choosing a bike — it should support your daily routes, cargo, and space constraints. If your business is based in Southwark, now is the perfect time to give a cargo bike a try.
