Stockholm Food Delivery Drivers Weigh Cost and Climate in Vehicle Choice
Stockholm – As Sweden pushes for greener transportation, food delivery drivers are making individual calculations about the practicality of electric vehicles versus customary petrol mopeds. for some, the cold climate and long distances make a four-stroke moped the more reliable option, while others are embracing electric bicycles for their convenience and environmental benefits.
The debate highlights a challenge in transitioning to sustainable transportation: balancing environmental goals with the everyday needs of workers and the realities of a northern European winter. The choices thes drivers make reflect broader questions about infrastructure, incentives, and the accessibility of eco-amiable alternatives for gig economy workers.
Juned Rahman, a 34-year-old food delivery driver from Bangladesh who has worked in Stockholm for four years, relies on a petrol moped to supplement his income from a cleaning job. He prefers the moped because it allows him to travel longer distances without needing to recharge, and he’s concerned about battery damage in cold weather. “I drive a moped because batteries in electric vehicles are sometimes damaged in the winter when it is too cold.With petrol I can drive longer distances,” Rahman explained. He also noted he hasn’t received any offers for electric vehicle options during his time in the industry.
Though, the equation isn’t the same for everyone. Thilanka Dias,a 30-year-old driver from Sri Lanka who commutes daily to Stockholm from Västerås,finds an electric bicycle to be the moast practical solution. “For me, an electric bike is better than a moped because it is easy to take it on the train.I can fold the bike and take it on the SJ train to Stockholm every day,” Dias said. He purchased the bike independently and works for Foodora, appreciating its quiet operation and zero emissions, with a single charge providing approximately seven hours of riding time.
