The City of Boston has released the final report from Boston Delivers, an 18-month pilot project that tested the use of electric cargo bikes for last-mile delivery in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.
Funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and in partnership with the City of Boston, Net Zero Logistics, and the Boston Transportation Department, the pilot explored how right-sizing delivery modes can reduce emissions, ease congestion, improve street safety, and support local businesses.
As research partner, the Urban Freight Lab supported project design, tracked operational and environmental performance, and evaluated economic impacts.
Key outcomes include:
- More than 18,000 deliveries were completed, moving nearly 20,000 items
- Nearly 6,000 miles traveled by cargo bikes, replacing traditional delivery vehicles, and
- An estimated 2,300 to 3,300 kilograms of carbon emissions avoided.
Our evaluation addressed infrastructure and policy needs, cost-effectiveness for small businesses, and critical design and staging elements. Findings underscored the importance of flexible program design, strong logistics partnerships, and strategic planning of delivery locations and timing. The report provides practical guidance and insights to help other cities and delivery providers adopt cleaner, safer, and more efficient last-mile delivery solutions.