Royal Mail connects with Minimal to introduce electric cargo cycles and boost urban deliveries service
Royal Mail has launched its first electric cargo cycles, expanding what is claimed to be the UK's largest electric delivery fleet. The first 20 Minimal Pedal 4 cycles will be deployed this month in cities including London, Brighton, and Cambridge, with plans to roll-out to further locations in the future.
Manufactured at Minimal's microfactory in West London, their introduction marks a step towards Royal Mail's target of achieving Net-Zero by 2040.
It says that using e-cargo cycles will help it reduce carbon emissions, improve local air quality and make delivery rounds more efficient. Giving posties their own dedicated vehicle rather than sharing a van will help to streamline routes and speed up deliveries. The cycles can also be charged from a standard three-pin plug socket, allowing them to operate from any delivery office, including sites with limited yard space or electricity capacity.
Following the introduction of its first micro electric vehicles (MEVs) last year, Royal Mail is now expanding its range of zero–emission delivery vehicles for urban routes. Unlike an MEV, the Pedal 4 does not require a licensed driver, opening up delivery opportunities to a wider range of people. It can also operate on roads with speed limits of up to 30 mph, cycle lanes, cycle paths and greenways. It has a range of up to 37 miles and a cargo capacity of 2.5m³.
Mark Riley, Delivery Design Manager at Royal Mail, says: “Our new electric cargo cycles mark another important step towards reaching Net-Zero by 2040 and making our delivery network more efficient for the future. They will help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve, while creating new opportunities for people to join Royal Mail without needing a driving licence.”
Patrick Bion, Chief Executive Officer at Minimal, comments: “Royal Mail operates one of the most demanding delivery networks in the country. Their decision to scale Pedal 4 throughout the UK is the clearest possible signal that right sized electric vehicles will be central to how we move goods through cities more efficiently.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
