App contractor wanted by Colchester Council to bring together eCargo operations and customers

The app will connect local businesses, shops, retailers and traders (for example pop-up shops, markets and special events) with potential customers

Colchester City Council wishes to commission a contractor to develop a web app to bring together local businesses, shops, retailers other traders (for example pop-up shops, regular and other markets, special events) and members of the public who could be their potential customers.

The app will connect them all with the idea and process of using an eCargo Bike delivery service to collect and deliver items they have ordered, or for another reason, need moved all across Colchester.

The application details are online here

The closing date for applications is 6 December 2024.

Development and testing will be completed by 31st May 2025, with go live from 1st June 2025 for 3 years, with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years (1+1), subject to performance.

In 2020, Colchester eCargo bike library was formed with funds from the Energy Saving Trust with the aim of breaking down barriers to the use of electric cargo (eCargo) bikes for deliveries instead of cars or vans. 

The Council received funding for 25 eCargo bikes and five electric trailers. Of these, 13 were given to 10 local organisations including Colchester Hospital and a new eCargo bike delivery service. Six are available for short term loans for local organisations, and the rest used by Council staff such as those in neighbourhood services.

eCargo, Colchester's green, clean, eco-friendly local 'final mile' delivery service, continues to use uses a range of commercial eCargo Bikes, trikes and special trailers.

Colchester Council are developing the web app as they continue to do "all we can to encourage as many Colchester local businesses and individuals to think about and try using eCargo bikes to make local deliveries, rather than using small vans and cars."