Dublin Unveils Pedal-Cab Trial for Carbon-Neutral Urban Transport | Season 3 – Episode 91
Wheels Dec 15, 2023
Due to increases in congestion and pollution caused by motor vehicles, in the very near future and especially in Europe, cities will become car free zones.
Dublin is leading the way in this change and a collaboration between FreeNow Ireland and Kerb Cabs will see the trial launch of a fleet of articulated electric pedal-assisted bicycle cabs.
Kerb Cabs was co-founded by Aileen Griffin and Alan Browne with the aim of “getting people from A to B quicker and cheaper than a traditional taxi.” Alan Browne said, “We want people to imagine what’s possible when you can replace a two tonne car with a small light carbon neutral vehicle that can operate in cycle lanes and save valuable space for family and friends.”
The Swedish-built ‘Armadillo’ taxis are produced by cargo bike maker Velove who builds the bicycle components and Quicab produces the two-person passenger compartment.
The articulated bicycle is equipped with a screen door that remains closed while in motion and there are seat belts for both passengers. The passengers can communicate with the driver via an intercom. All of the drivers will have extensive cycling experience and hold a drivers licence.
The fleet of six Armadillo bicycle cabs will be authorised to use Dublin’s bike lane infrastructure and bus lanes, significantly speeding up short trips across the city of typically less than 3 kms. The bicycle taxi can carry two passengers, which is typically 90% of the journey type a motor car taxi completes on a daily basis.
According to the National Transport Authority website (December 2023) the Kerb pedal cab service did not launch in November. The NTA are currently actively engaging with Kerb pedal-cabs to address regulatory requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1961 for small public service vehicles for the proposed taxi service.
Dublin will have to wait just a little longer for our carbon-neutral transport.
Information sources:
FreeNow.com
IrishCycle.com
Jason Falco
Kerbcabs.com
National Transport Authority (NTA)
