Upscaling cargo bike sharing in cities: A comparative case study

Urban mobility transitions are essential to mitigate climate change and improve the quality of life in cities. Cargo bikes (CBs) show promise in replacing motorised vehicles due to their lower carbon intensity, space efficiency, and ability to reduce air and noise pollution. CB sharing relieves users from purchase and maintenance costs. However, it is mainly adopted by individuals with high environmental awareness. Barriers to CB sharing stem from the urban infrastructure, individual mobility choices, and the design of CB sharing organisations (CBSOs). This article analyses upscaling pathways for CB sharing, i.e., increasing their use by a broader audience and reshaping the urban mobility regime. It delivers a comparative case study analysis of two CBSOs: Grätzlrad, Vienna, and LastenVelo e.V., Freiburg. Data was collected through academic and grey literature review and 15 semi-structured interviews with CB sharing stakeholders and experts. The analytical framework is informed by strategic niche management, viewing CB sharing as a niche innovation in the urban mobility regime. The article enhances understanding of CB sharing, the interaction of CBSOs with key actors, and their scalability. CBSOs should increase the availability of shared CBs while reducing the organisational effort required from users. New ways of CB sharing, e.g., integration in shared mobility hubs, should be explored. Municipal actors play a crucial role in upscaling and ensuring that CB sharing reaches a diverse user base. The findings are useful for academia, practitioners and policymakers working with CB sharing and other sustainable urban mobility solutions.