Image description:

Text: Amazon’s electric cargo bikes have arrived in DC.

Image: A four-wheeled vehicle that appears to be a cross between a bicycle, a go-cart, and a mini-truck

Response text from high t alpha shemale @gluetaster: that’s not a cargo bike man that’s a loopholemobile

Edit: I found a slightly higher-quality version of the image:

  • azimir@lemmy.mlEnglish
    471·
    7 days ago

    They’ve had a ton of these style of delivery vehicles around Berlin for years now. They work great, are really quiet, and solve the vast majority of last mile delivery needs.

    That said, the one in that photo is huge. I’ve never seen one even close to that size. The ones around here look more on this scale:

    • bigbangdangler@reddthat.comEnglish
      13·
      6 days ago

      Do they call them bicycles though? I’m guessing Amazon has chosen to call the DC one a “bicycle” (despite 4 wheels) because of some regulation they’re avoiding with it or (more likely) some kickback they get for using bikes.

      I don’t have a problem with the vehicle itself. Seems pretty neat. But it is not a bicycle.

      • azimir@lemmy.mlEnglish
        31·
        6 days ago

        People are so wound up on the use of the word bicycle and bring stupid about the “bi” part for some reason. Germany regulates what’s allowed on sidewalks and bike lanes. Many types of personal assist electric and pedal-controlled vehicles are allowed to use the bike lanes and sidewalks.

        The one posted by op would not be allowed in the bike lanes or sidewalks. It’s probably too big.

        From a sloppy summary:

        A four-wheeled pedal-driven delivery vehicle is legally classified as a bicycle in Germany, provided it meets specific technical requirements. Vehicles in this category are officially known as multi-track bicycles (or heavy-duty cargo bikes).

        To maintain this legal classification, your delivery vehicle must adhere to the following rules under German law:

        Pure Muscle Power: If it is propelled exclusively by human pedaling, it is treated exactly like a standard bicycle. It is subject to no vehicle registration, tax, or insurance requirements.

        Electric Assist (Pedelec): If it includes an electric motor to assist the pedals, the motor must have a maximum continuous rated output of 250 W and cut off automatically once you reach 25 km/h.Vehicle

        Dimensions: To remain in the bicycle/cargo bike category, the vehicle cannot exceed 2.00 m in width, 4.00 m in length, and 2.50 m in height.

        No Throttle: The electric motor must only provide assistance while you are pedaling. If the vehicle has a throttle that propels the bike without pedaling (e.g., up to 6 km/h for walk-assist is okay), it can push the vehicle into a heavier moped class.

        Because it is a bicycle, you can ride it in bike lanes, and you are exempt from needing a driver’s license. However, to be fully road-legal under Germany’s strict StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations), the vehicle must be equipped with:

        Two independent braking systems (front and rear).A clear-sounding mechanical bicycle bell.

        Approved lighting (white front light, red rear light).Required reflectors (white front, red rear, amber on pedals, and side reflectors).

        If the delivery vehicle exceeds these power, speed, or dimension limits (such as having a motor up to 4000 W or reaching 45 km/h like an S-Pedelec), it is classified as a motorized vehicle. This would require an AM or B driver’s license, a license plate, insurance, and would prohibit you from using bicycle paths

      • borkborkbork@piefed.socialEnglish
        1·
        6 days ago

        I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if it required the operator to pedal like all fuck to stay going, only because they can treat their workers like pack animals.

        watch out for the piss bottles!

    • Venator@lemmy.nzEnglish
      41·
      7 days ago

      tbf they probably have to go on big busy roads a lot more in the USA, and there’s a lot more bigger trucks, and the drivers licence test is probably a bit less comprehensive than Germany, judging by how well people get out of the way of emergency vehicles in Berlin vs NYC in videos 😅

      So you want a bigger vehicle just so you dont get squished by a silverado or something where the driver can’t even see the first 5m in front of them…