DELIVERIES of fresh produce is set to get even fresher from today after traders at Oxford’s Covered Market took delivery of their first electric cargo bikes.

The pedal and battery-powered vehicles have been fitted out with refrigerated cabinets to keep fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, flowers and even ice cream in peak condition while being delivered as preparation for Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot scheme, which will limit traditional motor vehicles from some city centre streets from this August.

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The bikes, which were designed, produced, and delivered by Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited (EAV), in Upper Heyford, near Bicester, were funded with help from almost £200,000 of Government cash in readiness for the trial which will restrict polluting vehicles from key streets during the day.

Those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is. Zero emission vehicles, such as the electric cargo bikes, will not be charged.

Oxford Mail: Oxford Covered Market e-cargo bikes. Picture by Ed Nix

The zone will cover Bonn Square, Queen Street, Cornmarket, Ship Street, St Michael’s Street, New Inn Hall Street, Shoe Lane and part of Market Street – the access to the Covered Market.

The bikes, which will be shared by traders, have been named ‘Aria’– meaning ‘Air’ in Italian, and ‘Atlas’ – named after the ancient Greek god who carried the entire world on his shoulders.

Each bike has between 30-60 miles of range, can travel up to 15.5 mph and can carry up to 150kg. They will be charged inside the Covered Market using a regular plug socket, reaching a full charge in under five hours.

Traders who are participating in the trial will be able to book use of the bikes for their deliveries.

City councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “Oxford’s Covered Market is a jewel in the crown of the city centre and, opened in 1774, even predates the United States.

“As Oxford prepares to become Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone, our historic city and treasured market is embracing a zero emissions future with the arrival of two new electric cargo bikes. Wherever you live in the city, you will be able to receive excellent Covered Market goods to your door using zero emission deliveries, so please continue to shop at our wonderful home for independent businesses.”

Graham MacDonald, owner of iScream & Wicked Chocolate, said: “I am very excited about the arrival of these e-cargo bikes and the council’s initiative in applying for this grant funding to support Covered Market traders.

“The bikes allow me to make deliveries to other local businesses, as well as speedy deliveries to residents across Oxford. The fact it is refrigerated allows for me to keep my products cool during the journey, which is crucial. The bike is easy to use and allows me to make quick zero-emission deliveries which I would have previously made in a car or taxi. I am looking forward to using the bikes more throughout this trial.”

Adam Barmby, CEO of EAV, said: “The Oxford Covered Market is widely considered one of the most unique and well-known landmarks within Oxford City centre. The opportunity for EAV to supply these unique vehicles for the Covered Market traders to use is really exciting, especially as the company is based just outside the city.

"We’re really looking forward to seeing the EAV vehicles on the streets of Oxford where they’ll prove their extraordinary efficiency and help to keep pollution levels as well as congestion to the lowest possible levels.

"We wish Aria and Atlas all the very best.”