Mapping the Role of Active Transport in Sustainable E-Commerce Logistics

The growth of e-commerce has intensified last-mile delivery challenges, particularly regarding emissions, congestion, and urban inefficiencies. Active transport modes such as bicycles, e-cargo bikes, and pedestrian couriers offer low-emission alternatives, yet scholarly research on their role remains fragmented geographically. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 150 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus (2010–2024), using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (R) to examine performance trends, keyword co-occurrence, and citation linkages. Findings show rapid growth after 2020, driven by climate concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, with research concentrated in Europe. Key themes include cargo bikes, last-mile delivery, and urban sustainability, while informal logistics and Global South contexts are underexplored. The study applies Sustainable Logistics Theory, Ecological Modernization Theory, and Socio-Technical Transitions to interpret gaps and trends. It calls for inclusive, tech-driven, and context-sensitive strategies to advance active transport in sustainable e-commerce logistics.