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Germany and Kazakhstan unite to test cargo bikes for greener urban logistics

From autonomous trials in Germany to manual testing in Kazakhstan, cargo bikes could transform city deliveries. Can they overcome regulatory hurdles?

The image shows a group of people riding bicycles down a street in Berlin, Germany. The street is...
The image shows a group of people riding bicycles down a street in Berlin, Germany. The street is lined with trees and buildings, and there is a bus stop on the right side of the image. The sky is filled with clouds and a flag is flying atop one of the buildings.

Germany and Kazakhstan unite to test cargo bikes for greener urban logistics

A new cargo bike project is linking Germany and Kazakhstan to explore sustainable transport solutions. In Magdeburg, researchers are testing an autonomous version, while Almaty will trial a manually operated model. Both initiatives aim to improve urban logistics but face different regulatory and technical challenges.

The project in Almaty, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), will see one cargo bike delivered from Plauen, Germany. This non-autonomous bike will transport goods between buildings at the German-Kazakh University (DKU) and undergo testing by local partners. Researchers hope to identify potential hurdles for the Kazakh market.

Meanwhile, in Magdeburg, Tom Assmann from Otto von Guericke University is working on autonomous cargo bikes. His research focuses on enabling these bikes to navigate public streets and industrial areas independently. Testing has already begun in controlled zones, with plans to move to public roads by early spring 2023. However, regulatory approval remains uncertain, as authorities have yet to establish clear rules for autonomous bikes. Special permits are being sought for designated test areas. The autonomous bikes could eventually expand bike-sharing systems, allowing users to call a bike via smartphone and have it return automatically after use. Assmann will travel to Almaty in September to meet with local partners and help adapt the cargo bike to local conditions. The differences between the two bikes—such as power assistance regulations—highlight the varying demands of each market.

The two projects will provide insights into how cargo bikes can support sustainable urban transport. In Almaty, the focus is on practical testing and market adaptation, while Magdeburg's autonomous trials could shape future regulations. Both initiatives aim to reduce emissions and improve last-mile logistics in cities.

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