An Analysis of the Competitiveness of Freight Tricycle Delivery Services in Urban Areas

摘要

This research analyzes the competitiveness of freight tricycles as compared to diesel vans in urban areas. Freight tricycles, also known as electric-assisted trikes, are low-emissions vehicles powered by a combination of human effort and an electric engine. This research develops a cost model incorporating vehicle ownership and operation models as well as logistics constraints such as time windows, cargo capacity, fuel consumption, and energy use. Unlike previous research efforts, the model has been tailored to the unique characteristic of freight tricycles and diesel van deliveries in urban areas. The model is used to analyze the competitiveness of freight tricycles against diesel-powered delivery vans. Cost breakeven points and elasticity for several vehicles and route-related variables are estimated. The results provide new insights regarding the “last mile” delivery characteristics and logistical constraints that may affect tricycles competitiveness.