Pedaling towards a sustainable future: lessons Learned from Cargo Bike Pool Operators in Sweden

Abstract: This study examines the impact and potential of cargo bikes as socio-economically and ecologically beneficial modes of transportation. It focuses on the perspectives of cargo bike pool members and the challenges faced by pool operators. Three interviews were conducted with cargo bike pool operators in Sweden to understand the challenges and considerations involved in establishing and operating a pooling service, as well as their opinions on its financial future. Additionally, a user survey targeting pool members from one of the interviewed operators was conducted in 2020. The survey investigated user barriers, motivations, opinions towards the pooling service, and its effect on user mobility habits before and after joining. Although the acceptance and utilization of these services depend on factors such as proximity, pricing, availability, quality, and convenience of the service. The findings show that pooling services increase member interest in owning and using cargo bikes as a replacement for cars. However, concerns regarding the marketability of cargo-bike pools alone are raised in this study, thus, to enhance the attractiveness of cargo-bike pools, this study suggests incorporating additional modes of transportation, offering supplementary value propositions, and ensuring a user-friendly experience. On the operator side, this study highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration in maximizing the potential of cargo bike pools for sustainable transportation enabling resource sharing, and marketing efforts, and improving the overall service by leveraging financial, spatial, and logistical benefits. Finally, this study finds that the current state of cargo bike pools necessitates collaboration and subsidies from municipalities and stakeholders. Suggesting innovations in business models and increased marketing strategies that capture a broader demographic through an enhanced value proposition that includes other forms of modality and benefits in their services, are vital for the growth of cargo biking through pooling systems.  The research provides insights for prospective operators in establishing and operating cargo bike pools, emphasizing considerations related to the physical layout, financial aspects, marketing, and value proposition of the service and has broader implications in how to encourage more sustainable mobility practices.