Electric trike takes on deliveries at Eastern Market

State of play: At Eastern Market, these vehicles have been used for produce distribution, community food programs and other tasks.

• Civilized Cycles is one of four local finalists in the Sustainable Cities Challenge, an international mobility competition, with winners announced next month.

What they're saying: "I love cars, but I don't like them in my communities," co-founder Zachary Schieffelin tells Axios. "It's just the wrong tool for the task."

• City officials say the pilot fits broader goals of reducing pollution and delivery costs.

How it works: The vehicle's design borrows from freight trucking. Patented features include self-leveling air suspension, which helps stabilize heavy loads on rough streets.

The intrigue: The electric trike is legally classified as a bicycle and can travel on bike lanes and sidewalks, Schieffelin says.

• The trike's trailer can be dropped off and left on site while the trike moves on to the next job.