Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

UPS Kicks Off Year-Round E-Trike Delivery Service in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is the first city in the U.S. where UPS will deliver packages by e-trike year-round. Photo: UPS

International shipping giant UPS is dipping a toe into pedal-powered delivery in American cities.

Last week, UPS began making deliveries using an electric trike in downtown Pittsburgh. It's the first U.S. city with year-round UPS e-trike service, according to the Pittsburgh City Paper.

The company also tested e-trike deliveries in Portland during the holiday season last year. In both cities, UPS uses a vehicle made by Portland-based Truck Trike that provides a battery-powered assist.

UPS delivery service by e-bike has been common for several years in European cities, according to spokesperson Deanna Cain. In crowded urban contexts, the smaller vehicles can be more efficient, she said.

Pittsburgh was chosen for its narrow downtown streets, said Cain. "What's nice about it in a downtown city like Pittsburgh, it can go in the bike lanes, when the bike lanes are widen enough," she added. "It takes up less space, it’s quick and zero emissions."

The program in Pittsburgh is small -- just one trike that can carry 300-400 pounds. It remains to be seen whether UPS will scale up its use of trikes and get its bulkier trucks off the streets, but Cain said the company is looking to expand the practice in other American cities.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

The Week in Short Videos

The videos are all upbeat! The Wonderful Protected Bike Lane Paving Machine, High-Speed Rail Progress, SB 79 Hearings, and Bakersfield is Pro-Bike.

August 29, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

Gav's CHP to Cities Order Draws a lot of attention, and the rest of the news from up and down the golden state.

August 29, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Menace of Prosperity

Daniel Wortel-London on his new book, "The Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1875–1981."

August 28, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

Is the transit disaster in Philly a warning or a spoiler for the Bay?

August 28, 2025

L.A. Council Committee Approves Step toward Eliminating Parking Requirements

Off-street parking at new developments is not going away. If the city doesn't require parking, developers will still build parking.

August 27, 2025
See all posts