Amazon’s low emission last mile deliveries

Online shopping has grown massively in recent years, relying on local fleets for the final step (or ‘last mile’) of the delivery. Most of those fleets are diesel vans but zero emission alternatives are emerging in the micromobility sector.

Micromobility is a term for small, lightweight vehicles generally used for last mile deliveries. These include e-cargo bikes, electric scooters and other types of powered light vehicles. 

In 2022, online retail giant Amazon announced a £300 million investment in decarbonising its UK delivery operations.

Amazon already operates over 1,000 electric delivery vehicles in the UK and Ireland. It’s now also incorporating micromobility hubs and vehicles into its delivery network. Low emission deliveries contribute to Amazon’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement.  

So far, Amazon has launched 40 micromobility hubs across the UK and Europe. In the UK, Norwich is the latest city to offer deliveries by e-cargo bike and walking couriers. Amazon partnered with local micromobility enterprises in Norwich, leveraging local expertise to support small and medium enterprises and create employment opportunities. 

Amazon launched a micromobility hub in Belfast, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Amazon took advantage of the Scottish Government’s investment in active travel infrastructure to launch a hub in Glasgow.

Companies that use cycling and walking delivery methods now offer faster and more reliable city deliveries by avoiding congested roads and unpredictable traffic holdups.

As a co-founder of the Climate Pledge, Amazon’s investment in micromobility supports its commitment to tackling climate change and setting an example for other companies.

• Micromobility hubs align with sustainability goals. Investing in low emission deliveries reduces carbon emissions while improving reliability. Environmental credentials are increasingly important business considerations as more consumers choose products and suppliers with sustainability in mind.
• Micromobility deliveries reduce congestion and improve urban air quality. Removing large delivery vehicles from the roads reduces noise pollution and creates a more pleasant urban environment for residents.
• Micromobility hubs also create new employment opportunities. Unlike traditional delivery jobs, more active delivery modes support drivers’ health and wellbeing, contributing to a happier workforce. 

Learn more about e-cargo bikes and see examples of how businesses are using them for last mile deliveries.