UCL Logistics and Mail Services launches new electric bike for greener campus deliveries

Designed for smaller deliveries across Bloomsbury, the new electric bike will help the UCL Logistics and Mail Services team move parcels more efficiently between buildings, particularly along busy campus routes where cycling is more practical than using a van. 

A practical solution for campus deliveries  

The bike is expected to replace several short van journeys each week as streets and public spaces are becoming increasingly pedestrian-focused in Bloomsbury. 

“Much of our work involves moving smaller parcels, mail items and equipment between buildings," said the team. "Some journeys are too much to carry comfortably on foot, but not large enough to justify using a van. The cargo bike helps bridge that gap."

An electric bike can often be quicker than a van, helping staff avoid traffic, parking delays, loading bay availability, and one-way systems. In some cases, journeys that might take 20 to 30 minutes by van can be completed more quickly and efficiently by bike, while freeing up vehicles for larger deliveries where they are genuinely needed. 

Positive feedback from the team 

The response from the team has been positive, with colleagues recognising the bike as both a sustainability initiative and a practical addition to day-to-day operations. 

Training and safety measures are being introduced alongside the rollout to ensure staff feel confident using the new equipment and that it is integrated safely into daily operations. 

Supporting wider sustainability goals 

By reducing short vehicle journeys where possible, the initiative supports the UCL Sustainability Plan, which is committed to cutting carbon emissions across campus operations and achieving net zero for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. 

The cargo bike is one of several initiatives helping Logistics and Mail Services reduce emissions and operate more sustainably. 

As part of routine delivery rounds, the team has also introduced a reverse logistics service, ensuring vehicles never return empty. Used gel packs, pipette tip boxes and other recyclable laboratory materials are collected directly from labs and returned to the hub, where suppliers pick them up in bulk for recycling or reuse.  

By combining deliveries and collections into a single journey, the team has reduced unnecessary supplier trips while supporting circular economy principles within laboratory operations. 

The team is also developing an internal e-shop system that will allow researchers to order smaller quantities of commonly used laboratory items directly from centrally held stock, helping to reduce deliveries and support more sustainable purchasing practices. 

Learn more about UCL Logistics and Mail Services  

If you need to send mail, arrange vehicle access, or request space for works, visit the Logistics and Mail Services’ page. 

For a behind-the-scenes look at how the team keeps UCL moving, follow Logistics and Mail Services on Instagram and X.