Quantifying the Benefits of Cargo Bikes for Last-Mile Delivery: Operational, Environmental, and Social Perspectives

초록

The rapid growth of e-commerce worldwide has led to a substantial increase in urban freight traffic, intensifying challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and safety risks in cities across the globe. In South Korea, for example, parcel volumes have increased at an average annual rate of 12.53%, amplifying these issues. Moreover, conventional delivery trucks are often restricted from accessing residential complexes, narrow alleyways, and traditional markets, frequently resulting in illegal parking and road obstructions. As a sustainable and space-efficient alternative, cargo bikes have emerged as a promising solution for last-mile delivery. The results indicate that approximately 3.3 cargo bikes can replace a single conventional delivery truck in terms of delivery capacity. Under the operational pilot scenario, this substitution is projected to reduce the annual life-cycle operating costs of last-mile delivery by over USD 7,500. Additionally, the TO-BE system led to significant reductions in accident-related social costs and environmental externalities. These findings provide strong empirical support for integrating cargo bikes into urban logistics strategies?particularly in areas with restricted truck access?while enhancing delivery efficiency, improving traffic safety, and promoting urban sustainability.