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@grams you make good points about TFL cycles and the costings... I don't really know enough about them and their operation so my only comments would be that they run a much larger fleet for different purposes, whereas my suggestion - in my head - I think you'd really be looking at 3, maybe 4 maximum, cargo bikes in a specific area. I'm not 100% convinced that it could turn a profit even with those small numbers, but do wonder if a break-even or a small loss is possible.
I used Fish Island because it's in my back yard, but Stratford's East Village is equally ripe for this idea.
@ohheyitsdrew i think everything is ripe for vandalism sadly... but i think your point about cargo bikes not being as easy to ride as normal bikes would be the main problem.
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JaredCE
The Santander Bikes run at a massive operating loss, which is why they've barely expanded from their original area. The subsidy works out as something like £3 per journey. And those bikes get a lot of use each day.
How much does a cargo bike cost? How much would someone pay to use it? How many times a day would each one be used? How much would you spend on maintenance / customer service / vandalism etc?
It's a nice idea, but I can't see the numbers adding up without a rich backer willing to cover significant losses.
(In some cities Ikea lends out cargo bikes, which is a drop in the ocean for them cost wise and has an obvious audience)