Advancing Shared Cargo Bike Systems: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Identifying Key Success Factors and Spatial Allocation in Urban Contexts

Joel Otterloo Kuronen and Erik Elldér ()
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Joel Otterloo Kuronen: Department of Economy and Society, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
Erik Elldér: Department of Economy and Society, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: Shared cargo bike services hold significant potential for promoting sustainable urban mobility, yet their adoption remains limited—especially for private, everyday use. This study investigates how such systems can be more effectively integrated into urban transport by identifying key enablers and operationalizing them through a GIS-based multi-criteria analysis (MCA). Using a mixed-methods approach, expert interviews were conducted to explore success factors and barriers. Results highlight the dual function of shared cargo bikes: enabling occasional use while increasing long-term uptake by fostering trial and visibility. The study identifies both spatial and non-spatial enablers. Key spatial factors include high visibility, pedestrian flows, access to public transport and cycling networks, and placement in mixed-use areas. Non-spatial enablers include technical reliability, ease of use, strong visual identity, subsidies, and trial opportunities. The spatial enablers were operationalized into seven criteria in the MCA. Based on qualitative expert interviews and thematic analysis, the highest weights were assigned to visibility and pedestrian flows, followed by proximity to public transport and local centers, while lower weights were given to proximity to residences, population density, and access to cycle paths. The results offer guidance for station placement and demonstrate the role of shared cargo bikes in sustainable urban transport.

Keywords: cargo bike; shared cargo bikes; shared mobility; multi-criteria analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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