Fernhay eQuad: UPS’s Strange Cargo Bike
This page is translated from the original post "Fernhay eQuad : l’étrange vélo cargo d’UPS" in French.
- 30/06/2022 19:00
If you live in the capital, keep an eye out: you might see an eQuad pass by you.
Like all delivery companies, UPS is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its activities. To this end, the American company is currently testing the e-Quad, a kind of mini electric pedal-assisted van. UPS uses it in several cities, notably Paris, for last-mile deliveries.
A cargo bike developed in England
The eQuad is marketed by Fernhay, a company based in Berkshire County, England. Like an electric assist bike, it has pedals and a small motor that helps the rider up to 25 km/h. Despite its relatively large size, it is authorized to ride on bike lanes and in semi-pedestrian zones.
Speaking of dimensions. At 3 meters long, the eQuad is about 60 cm longer than a Citroën AMI. However, it is much narrower than the AMI (0.8 meters vs 1.52 meters). Its height reaches 1.95 meters, allowing for a significant cargo volume despite the narrow container.
The eQuad’s estimated range is about 65 km. Its solid aluminum wheels are more durable than spoked wheels. It features hydraulic disc brakes. The lighting system is comparable to that of a real car, with, in addition to standard bike lights, a stop light, turn signals (with warning mode), and even fog lights.
The question now is whether the eQuad truly offers a good compromise. If it becomes more widespread, coexistence with motorists could be challenging. As for cyclists, they probably wouldn’t be thrilled about sharing their dedicated lanes with this kind of vehicle.
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