Poste Italiane is testing new innovative prototypes of light and completely green vehicles to further improve the efficiency of the mail and parcel delivery service. In collaboration with the National Centre for Sustainable Mobility MoSt and in technological partnership with automotive companies, Poste Italiane is working in particular on the development of new prototypes of three-wheeled electric cargo e-bikes. In addition to Poste Italiane, the project team is composed of Italian Aluminium Technology, Pirelli and researchers from the University of Florence, the University of Bergamo and the Politecnico di Milano. The main objectives of the project, which is currently in the experimental phase in Puglia, include the integration of a sophisticated technological component to strengthen security in the mail and parcel delivery phases.
A sustainable solution
Poste Italiane's cargo e-bikes represent an innovative and sustainable solution for urban delivery, designed to meet the new delivery needs in cities whose historic centres are protected by regulations to limit road traffic and reduce CO2 emissions. The prototype has a higher load capacity than traditional bicycles, thanks to a modular compartment that can hold up to 700 litres, for a maximum of 100 kilograms. The three-wheel configuration also offers greater stability while riding and allows you to operate safely even in areas with heavy traffic or uneven surfaces. The maximum speed is limited to 25 kilometres per hour, as required by the legislation for light pedal-assisted vehicles. The network of sensors, radar and electronic calculators integrated on the vehicle offers innovative support services to the driver and provides useful data for the search for increasingly effective solutions to increase safety. These devices make it possible to detect obstacles along the route, monitor the condition and wear of the tyres, and provide the driver with support to improve their driving style, thereby contributing to accident prevention and operational efficiency.
Top safety
The cargo e-bikes are also equipped with an anti-lock wheel system for greater safety and an energy regeneration system that uses both braking and solar energy, through integrated photovoltaic panels. The cargo compartment is opened and closed using NFC communication technology, while an alert system informs the rider in the event of sudden obstacles. The cargo e-bikes, equipped with sensors capable of detecting data such as air quality, temperature and humidity, also have the function of monitoring environmental indicators, thus providing useful information for the intelligent management of urban space and helping to promote better living conditions in the city centres in which they operate. Poste Italiane is therefore continuing its process of technological evolution to benefit the green transition. As of 30 September 2025, the company has a fleet of almost 29,000 low-emission vehicles, of which about 6,200 are completely green and 8,800 are hybrids, thus confirming its position at the forefront in Italy in the process of decarbonising transport, in line with the provisions of the four-year strategic plan "2024–2028 The Connecting Platform". Poste Italiane’s green fleet, the largest in Europe among corporate fleets, includes new-generation vehicles powered by electric, hybrid and internal combustion engines with reduced environmental impact, all designed to combine sustainability, efficiency and safety.
