EV Blood Biking
SERVing Up a Lifesaving Mission
How volunteers are saving lives, one ride at a time
In the dynamic streets of London where time is of the essence, an unexpected symbiotic relationship in lifesaving efforts is underway. SERV Blood Bikes, a charitable organisation founded in 1981, is made up of volunteers who provide a vital out-of-hours courier service, delivering blood, breast milk, and medical supplies to hospitals at no cost. The most efficient vehicle they’ve found to deliver these supplies with haste? Electric motorcycles from Zero.
In June 2023, Tara, a SERV Surrey & London member, raised £60,000 through a charity event encompassing full and half marathons called “The Great Walk,” enabling SERV to acquire a Zero DSR/X motorcycle that they’ve affectionately named “Marty.” Driven by the need for emission-free, efficient operation as their older fleet faces emissions regulations, Marty joins two other Zero models in SERV’s fleet.
Reflecting on their initial venture into the realm of electric motorcycles, seasoned SERV rider Chris Butler recalls, “The first Zero we acquired was an SR/S in 2021.” This decision stemmed from a dual commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. “Operating primarily in London, with initiatives like ULEZ in effect, we sought to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach.”
Collaborating with Magnet Motos, SERV managed to successfully adapt the Zero for medical transport with a weatherproof, temperature-controlled container affixed to the motorcycle’s rear, providing storage space for transporting vital medical supplies.
"Of all the brilliant things I get to experience as a rider, my favourite is probably the milk runs. Delivering direct to a neonatal ward, speaking to the amazing medical staff and hearing how big a difference the donated breast milk that we deliver makes...it's a wonderful feeling!"
After real-world testing and overcoming initial concerns about range and charging, the SR/S was seamlessly incorporated into the fleet. Chris emphasised that careful route planning ensures efficient use, allowing them to complete multiple jobs on a single charge.
Early last year, we highlighted the desire to reduce our carbon footprint and include EV's in our fleet. Many of you may recall Spark Motos UK lent us the Zero SR/S to test in April 2021 and we were very impressed with the results. We set our sights on purchasing the bike when the time was right, with a view to transitioning some of our fleet operation over to electric."
Looking ahead, SERV acknowledges the growing importance of electric motorcycles in urban transport. While current range limitations exist, they value the efficiency of Zero motorcycles, especially as charging infrastructure improves in the UK. SERV aims to balance petrol and electric bikes to optimise their operations, ensuring swift and reliable blood transport.
Thrilled with the SR/S, SERV now employs the DSR/X for its comfort and usability, particularly for taller riders. Chris noted that while their FJR bikes still serve a purpose, the Zero models excel in urban environments, with the DSR/X and SR/S increasingly becoming their go-to choices for city work.
SERV remains committed to lifesaving work, and after adding Zero motorcycles to their fleet, they can continue delivering critical medical supplies more efficiently, ultimately saving more lives.
To learn more about Zero's wide-ranging offering in fleet vehicles, tap the link below.
Maudes Trophy Challenge
