Velove wins first ever International Cargo Bike of the Year award
In a sector in rapid development and increasing competition, Velove brought home the trophy for International Cargo Bike of the Year, in the heavy category.
”This is of course very rewarding for the whole team who have been working very hard. It is extra satisfying to see that the jury was looking at the riding qualities and the productivity”, says Johan Erlandsson, co-founder and CEO of Velove.
It was the first time the prize was handed out, with the purpose to highlight innovations within a field that has the key to solve the logistics- and service industries challenges within accessibility, climate, air quality and liveable cities.
The winners were chosen by a jury including logistics journalist Johannes Reichel from Logistra, Thomas H.L. Schmidt from the German Cycle Logistics Federation, Satesh Kumar Beella, lector in product development at University of the Hague and Marieke Snoek, CEO of the biggest cycle logistics company in the Netherlands, Cycloon Post.
The jurys’ motivation:
”Velove Armadillo is consequently focused on commercial applications, especially within logistics. The jury members were initially sceptical towards the lower seat instead of a regular saddle, but were impressed by the comfort, riding stability, track stability and the natural handling of the suspended cargo bike. Moreover, the integration in a complete logistics solution with detachable containers was convincing. A double container solution with semi-trailer is also available to further increase the productivity.
Moreover, the manufacturer is offering leasing and full service contracts to convince commercial customers. From the jury’s viewpoint, this motivates the high price of above 10 000 Euro. The stated length of 3,12 meters is compensated by a width of only 86 cm, which means the bike can get through bollards. Also, the smooth and well balanced combination of a Bafang mid motor and a 14 gear Rohloff gear hub and the specially designed wheels gave points from the jury.”
The Velove Armadillo electric cargo bike is developed to maximise productivity in last mile delivery for handheld goods and for field services in urban environments. On the list of customers, established companies like DHL Express, DB Schenker, Hermes, Bring, Best and Esas are found, but also younger companies like Movebybike, Airmee and Pling.
