DEPOT.BIKE
The idea of the city's bicycle depot is based on the need for a rapidly growing volume of delivery of consignments by transport companies during Covod19 lockdown and the city administration's efforts to relieve public space, especially in the city center.
The City Council decided to implement the project in June 2020, and the assignment was completed within 4 months.
Depot location is in the very center of the city at Florenc subway station. Before, there was a private parking lot for approx 30 cars. The entire place is nicely protected by a bridge body against direct weather influences. The Depot also offers heated facilities for couriers, including kitchenette and showers, a universal charging station for e-bikes, and a service station.
The pilot project is planned for 6 months and will be regularly evaluated. In the spring it is planned to expand services with a Logistic Hub, equipped with automatic parcel lockers and Pick-up points. Doors will be open for anyone interested in the world of cargo e-bikes.
Currently, over 10 different types of cargo e-bikes can beseen in operations, including Larry vs Harry Bullitt, Velove Armadillo, Hinterher bike trailers, Rytle cargo delivery systems. More can be seen in the public gallery.
So far, seven logistic companies joined: DHL Express, Dachser, PPL, DPD, GLS, MessengerCZ, and Rohlík.cz (the country's largest online grocery), while four more are heading to start its e-bike based deliveries in January next year.
If the operation will be rated positively by logistics companies and the City Hall, the city management has already announced that it will consider introducing regulation of the entry of delivery trucks into the historic center of Prague.
The organization of the City Depot is sheltered by ekolo.cz - Czech pioneer of light electric mobility.
For more info please write to cargo@ekolo.cz
