Welcome to the latest exciting instalment of Plumbers On E-Bikes. First there was London plumber Shane Topley, then there was Derby plumber Martin Broer. We now bring you news of Nippychecks in Bristol, who are employing a couple of 15mph electric four-wheelers from Oxfordshire-based Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV).
Operating out of premises in Easton, Nippychecks are an arm of South Gloucestershire business West Country Heating and Plumbing.
“There’s no reason why Nippychecks can’t do for plumbing and heating what Deliveroo has done for food,” said managing director Sam Blakeney.
“Nippychecks solves a number of problems – it does its bit to cut congestion and improve air quality in the city, it provides a service free from the constraints of traffic problems, it’s cost-effective and ethical, too.
“We’ve often thought that using a half empty van to splutter its way around the city didn’t really make sense for anyone. In Nippychecks, we think we’ve found an answer.”
The EAV vehicles are a little more sizeable than your average e-cargo bike and can carry up to 150kg, but with 250W motors and a top assisted speed of 15.5mph, they can still be used in cycle lanes.
Head of partnerships at EAV, Leo Bethell, said: “We’re delighted to be providing two of our lightweight urban vehicles to Nippychecks and of course we’re excited to see them making an impact in Bristol.
“Cargo bikes help businesses complete more services and deliveries in a shorter amount of time by accessing cycle lanes and pedestrian routes, while actively reducing congestion in urban environments.
“They’re safe, practical, zero emissions and eco-friendly, so we believe they’re going to play a big role in improving air quality and saving business – and their customers – time and money as well as making the centre of Bristol a better place to be.”
The Nippychecks project was launched last summer and Blakeney has high hopes for it with plans to add more vehicles.
“While we’re a fun and innovative company, it’s really important that we’re professional, too,” he said. “Through West Country we have all the necessary systems and experience in place to ensure our services are provided smoothly and efficiently.
“We’ve set up a portal through which landlords and lettings agents can safely store and access all of their certifications. Meanwhile our tracker app will let them, as well as homeowners, check Nippy’s progress and whereabouts.
“It’s a modern business for modern times, and we’re looking forward to getting out and about in Bristol.”
