CargoB is the First Electric Cargo Bike Share in the United States

For Boston’s cycling enthusiasts, the launch of CargoB marks a significant shift in urban mobility. As the nation’s first on-demand electric cargo bike share, CargoB offers a practical alternative for those looking to navigate the city efficiently. With bikes designed to handle everything from grocery hauls to school runs, this service is tailored for those […]

The Concept: From Car Trunks to CargoB Buckets

CargoB (pronounced “Cargo-Bee”) brings a European-inspired mode of transport to the masses in the U.S., making it the nation’s first on-demand electric cargo bike share. These “bakfiets” (Dutch for “box bikes”) are designed to carry large loads and are perfect for urban environments. Whether you’re picking up groceries, taking the kids to school, or transporting a new air conditioner, CargoB offers a practical solution without the hassle of car ownership.

Co-founders Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck, both from the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, are passionate about e-bikes and aim to revolutionize how Bostonians get around. With Boston ranking fourth in the world for road congestion, CargoB offers a traffic-free alternative that matches the carrying capacity of a compact car’s trunk.

“When we think about the reasons we love Boston, those heart strings aren’t pulled by memories of navigating Mass Ave traffic,” says Fennell. “Instead, it’s the vibrant neighborhoods, green spaces, and cultural experiences created by the people who live and spend time here. The high density fabric of our city, one that predates the rise of automobiles, and which tourists flock to enjoy in ‘America’s Walking City’, does not thrive when primarily planned around car-based mobility.”

According to CargoB, the majority of urban car trips are already single occupancy; why not shift a fraction of those solo drivers from individual cars onto individual bikes?

CargoB launches the on-demand electric cargo bike share system in North America.
Beginning in the spring of 2024, CargoB co-founders Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck lunched app-based access to a fleet of Urban Arrow bikes purpose-built to carry heavy or large loads, with locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, Massachusetts.,

How It Works: Simple, Accessible, and Fun

Getting started with CargoB is simple, just like any other bike found in cities around the world. Download the mobile app, locate a bike at one of the designated parking spots, scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it, and you’re ready to roll. The bikes are available for rent by the minute ($0.25) or by the day ($100), making it a cost-effective option compared to traditional car rentals or even car ownership. After your ride, return the bike to any CargoB location, lock it up, and it’s ready for the next user.

CargoB’s fleet of pedal-assisted electric bikes, which don’t require a throttle, make cycling around the city not only possible but enjoyable, even for those who might not consider themselves regular cyclists. Plus, with the increasing network of bike lanes and mixed-use paths around Boston, getting from A to B is often faster on a bike than in a car.

“What you get for the price is not just access to a unique experience, it’s also the freedom from frustration and wasted time stuck in car traffic. If you’re asking yourself if there is a better way to get around town than in a car, the answer is a resounding, ‘yes!’” DeClerck says.

Beyond Convenience: A Community Focus

CargoB isn’t just about transportation; it’s about enhancing the urban experience. By offering a fun and functional alternative to car travel, CargoB encourages people to engage more with their surroundings.

The initial market research for CargoB revealed diverse use cases, from hauling DIY project materials to taking pets to the park. Early adopters have used the bikes for everything from transporting teenagers to appointments to picking up heavy items like BBQ grills and electric lawnmowers. These are trips that would typically require a car, but with CargoB’s pedal-assist, they’re quicker and more enjoyable on a bike.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Impact

Currently, CargoB has launched in Jamaica Plain, Cambridge’s Porter Square, and Somerville’s Winter Hill, with plans to expand to Boston’s Seaport neighborhood soon. As the company continues to grow, Fennell and DeClerck are excited to see how Boston’s residents and visitors embrace this new mode of transportation.