Through this project, Greenfoot Africa in partnership with Twende Social Innovation Centre is developing a purpose-built electric cargo bike aimed at improving the affordability and sustainability of transporting goods in Tanzania's urban and rural centers. The project goal is to set up an initial production facility, develop operating tools, and launch a pilot in Arusha, Tanzania with a fleet of ten (10) electric cargo bikes.
Local industries and businesses struggle to transport goods safely and quickly to customers, with transport costs taking up 50-75% of the retail price of goods. Heavy reliance on petrol-powered vehicles and ever-increasing global fuel prices keeps operating costs high, and contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to higher costs of living, premature deaths, and global warming.
Greenfoot's heavy-duty pedal-assist electric cargo bike is a cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered motorbikes, with up to 60% lower operating costs and a 300kg carrying capacity. It can reach speeds of up to 40km/h and supports different carriage types for various goods or people transportation. It also has the potential to be powered fully by clean energy, such as directly mounted solar panels or battery charging stations run by solar or wind energy.
Local manufacturing of electric cargo bikes in Tanzania will have a significant long-term impact by reducing transport costs in urban and rural areas, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy independence, and decreasing reliance on foreign imports. In addition to productive use cases, direct and indirect employment will be created, either through manufacturing or directly operating the cargo bikes.
