Online food ordering and delivery major Zomato announced on Monday that it will be converting 40% of its delivery fleet into bicycles and e-bicycles in the next two years. In a statement, the company said it had started introducing both types of bicycles as part of its fleet, and is aiming to scale this to “not only significantly push the fleet towards electric mobility and cut the environmental damage, but also increase employment opportunities for those who own bicycles.”
As per the statement, Zomato has 1.5 lakh delivery partners on its roster, and sees an addition of 150 delivery partners each day, which translates to them covering an average of 4.4 million kilometres a day. Acknowledging the degree of environmental damage this causes, the company says that it aims to take baby steps to address the issue, which is why it will be shifting to more bicycle deliveries in the next two years. As per the company’s statement, this is why it aims “to build a future that creates more tangible value and leaves less carbon footprint.”
As of now, mechanical bicycles are owned by the delivery partners themselves, but for e-bicycles, the company has tied up with Mobycy, e-HIRAN, TNT, Yulu and Zoomcar’s PEDL. The company says that it already has 5000 cyclists on its rolls, who operate in 12 cities, but largely in Delhi NCR. These cyclists would be assigned deliveries within a 2.5 km radius.
The food major said that it would ensure that their bicycle delivery partners are given ergonomic delivery bags. “Moreover, they are diligently trained for the job as well as educated on road safety norms in the Zomato Rider University.”
“Climate change and environmental challenges are an inalienable reality of the future. We have been taking baby steps towards environmental responsibility by promoting biodegradable packaging and targeting food wastage with Feeding India. With this development, we are aiming to build a future that creates more tangible value and leaves a lesser carbon footprint. The positive feedback from our cycling delivery partners has further strengthened our belief in this movement,” Mohit Gupta, CEO, Food Delivery business, Zomato, said.
The company claims this decision has been taken following feedback from its cycle delivery partners, as it translates to lower maintenance costs, no license requirements, and that it “increases their employment feasibility as well as earning potential."