‘It’s a modern business for modern times’: A Bristol home maintenance service now using cargo bikes

A new eco-friendly gas and heating maintenance service has been launched in Bristol, using cargo bikes.

The fully electric service will see a team of engineers riding to properties in the city to maintain boilers, central heating and electrical systems and appliances.

The business, nippychecks, will operate out of a premises in Easton and will serve domestic homeowners as well as helping maintain the portfolios of city landlords and lettings agents.

The new venture comes after a £24,000 investment in two new cargo bikes by South Gloucestershire business West Country Heating and Plumbing.

With a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 15 mph, the bikes are cycle lane permitted and can carry up to 150kg of cargo – easily enough for a toolbox and spare boiler parts.

Sam Blakeney, managing director of nippychecks and WCHP, said: “There’s no reason why nippychecks can’t do for plumbing and heating what Deliveroo has done for food,” he said.

“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 nippychecks cargo bikes will be branded in Bristol Blue and bright yellow, to reflect the heritage of the city while adding a modern, innovative look to the service.

The two new vehicles have been brought from Oxfordshire-based EAV Ltd and are made from recyclable and sustainably sourced materials.

Leo Bethell, head of partnerships at EAV 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.

“We love this city and want to be part of its sustainable and cycling identity.

“While we’ve got a challenge establish Nippy as part of the property scene, once we’re really up and running then I’m hoping to add more vehicles to the fleet before too long.

“While we’re a fun and innovative company, it’s really important that we’re professional, too. 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. Go Nippy!”