New Zealand Post regional service delivery manager Murray Rei said the four-wheeled Norwegian-built Paxster AS vehicles were very quiet.
But as trials had shown in other parts of New Zealand, they were not quiet enough to avoid alerting every postie’s nemesis — enthusiastic dogs.
He said a couple of posties had been bitten while using the machines, but on the whole they were proving to be very popular with both employees and the community.
"People want to stop and talk to the posties. It’s reviving good old-fashioned community values."
The vehicles are part of a nationwide rollout which started last year, and ultimately will be used for the combined delivery of parcels and mail in residential areas of New Zealand’s larger towns and cities.
They could carry up to 200kg of parcels and mail, but were still small enough to be used on footpaths, he said.
"These vehicles are an investment in New Zealand Post’s future as we change the way we meet the growing demand for parcel deliveries.
"They’re also helping us find new ways to reduce our carbon emissions of every parcel we deliver."
Mr Rei said New Zealand Post had worked with the Dunedin City Council to gain approval to operate the vehicles on footpaths in the South Dunedin area for a trial period, and would continue to keep close contact with the council.
"Following the trial, New Zealand Post hopes to introduce the Paxsters to the rest of Dunedin and Mosgiel, subject to Dunedin City Council approval."
It was hoped another batch of Paxsters would join the Dunedin fleet in 12 months.
Mr Rei said the Paxster drivers had been receiving safety training in recent weeks, and he assured pedestrians the vehicles would give way to all other footpath users.
For safety reasons, the vehicles would not be used in shopping areas because of the high number of pedestrians.
"Mail will be delivered on foot in these locations," he said.
Switched on
New Zealand Post Paxster AS electric delivery vehicle.—
• Built in Norway.
• Battery lasts 70km-90km.
• Battery can be charged using standard wall sockets.
• Zero emissions.
Up to 500 will be used to deliver New Zealand’s mail.
