Van vs E-Cargo Bike: The Coffee Delivery Challenge
When it comes to delivering coffee, speed is everything — but sustainability matters too.
In a recent adventure, my friend Dave and I put two very different vehicles to the test: my trusty diesel van versus Dave’s e-cargo bike. The mission? Deliver coffee to the post office and see which one got there faster.
The catch? There was a wager involved — and the stakes were high.
The Stakes: Coffee and Cargo
It started with a simple question: which vehicle would be faster for coffee deliveries, the van or the e-cargo bike? Naturally, a race was the only way to settle it.
The rules: whoever reached the postbox first wins.
The deal:
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If I won, Dave had to buy me a slap-up meal.
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If Dave won, I owed him 12 months of free coffee for his office and warehouse.
Not your average delivery run…
The Challenge Begins
With our vehicles ready, we set off. Dave pedalled hard on his e-cargo bike, while I fired up the van. Surely a van had the edge, right?
Fast forward through the race, and the results were humbling.
Dave’s e-cargo bike crossed the line 36 minutes faster than my van. That’s right — a resounding win for active travel and sustainability.
And yes, that means I’ll be delivering on my promise: a year of free coffee for Dave and his team.
Brewing French Press on the Go
Of course, this wasn’t just about the race — it was about the coffee.
Halfway through the challenge, I brewed a French press coffee for Dave, right from the back of his bike. Here’s how it went:
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Grinding the Beans – Freshly ground coffee filled the air with aroma.
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Using the French Press – I used a wooden spoon to stir, protecting the glass from cracking.
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Brewing – I let it steep for four minutes, forming a perfect crust, before plunging.
Even mid-race, a freshly brewed French press was the highlight — and Dave loved it.
The Results: A Humbling Defeat
Final times? Dave clocked in at 12 minutes 26 seconds, while my van trailed behind, a full 36 minutes slower.
A clear win for the e-cargo bike — and a valuable reminder that sometimes the sustainable choice is also the fastest.
A Victory for Sustainability
This race wasn’t just fun — it was eye-opening.
Dave’s e-cargo bike showed that eco-friendly transport can outpace traditional methods in both speed and practicality. Less fuel, fewer emissions, faster results.
For me, it was a humbling defeat. For sustainability, it was a big win.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Coffee Delivery
This challenge proved two things:
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French press coffee really can be brewed anywhere.
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E-cargo bikes are a serious contender for sustainable coffee delivery.
So, hats off to Dave. While I’ll be busy supplying him with coffee for the next 12 months, I’ll also be rethinking how we approach eco-friendly transport in the coffee world.
And next time you see an e-cargo bike flying past, don’t be surprised if it’s carrying the perfect cup of coffee.
Want More Coffee Adventures?
If you enjoyed this challenge, check out my YouTube channel, where I share outdoor coffee adventures, creative brewing tips, and stories that prove great coffee can be made anywhere, by anyone.
