Why ride an e-bike?

Riding an e-bike can make your life as a rider so much easier. They’re a great way to tackle hills with less effort and can help you cover longer distances faster, making those bigger orders a breeze. You don’t need a licence to ride an e-bike, and it doesn’t need to be registered, taxed, or insured. Best of all, they can help you save money on things like petrol and insurance costs.

In busy areas, e-bikes can sometimes be even faster than cars or scooters. You can use bike lanes to get through traffic and find quicker routes, which means you can complete more deliveries and have the opportunity to earn more.

To note, stand up e-scooters (electric scooters), cannot legally be used on public roads or pavements in the UK. This means you can’t use one to deliver orders.

Using your e-bike with Deliveroo

Switching to an e-bike? Here’s a few things you need to know.

You must let us know if you’re using an e-bike. This makes sure you’re matched with the right orders and have the correct insurance. Follow the simple steps on the Rider Support page to update your vehicle type. 

How we offer you the right orders

Our tech works behind the scenes to offer you the right orders. We look at factors like the estimated travel time, distance, and traffic to match you with the best delivery. The type of vehicle you use won’t always make a difference, as a bike might be faster than a car in a congested city, while a scooter might be better for longer distances. The system also considers the availability of other riders in your area. 

Some things that don’t affect the orders you're offered include how long you’ve been a rider or how often you accept or reject orders.

Check out our videos to learn more about using an e-bike with Deliveroo.

E-bike options: Rent, Buy, or Convert

If you’ve decided to use an e-bike, there are a few ways you can get one for your deliveries. We’ve got options to suit every rider, whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or even convert your own bike.

Renting an e-bike

If you don’t want to buy an e-bike, renting is a great option. We’ve teamed up with some top providers to get you exclusive discounts. Please note, details and offers may vary. Always check the Perks page for the latest information.

Zoomo

• Total costs: £34.99 per week
• Deposit (a deposit is a refundable payment, so as long as you return the bike on time without any damage, you should get this money back.): £100 + £50 starter fee
• Range: 30-50 miles
• Minimum rental period: 1 week
• Food delivery insurance included? No
• Pick-up locations: London
• Other benefits: Anti-theft alarm system and GPS tracking, wear and tear maintenance, free D-lock, USB charging dock for your phone

ETT

• Total costs: £55 per week
• Deposit (a deposit is a refundable payment, so as long as you return the bike on time without any damage, you should get this money back.): £200
• Range: 80 miles
• Minimum rental period: 4 weeks
• Food delivery insurance included? No
• Pick-up locations: London
• Other benefits: 6-8 working hours battery range, flexible rental with no starter fee, free maintenance, free battery swap, security lock with chain

Buying an e-bike

If you're thinking of buying an e-bike, you need to make sure it's legal to ride. To be considered an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle' (EAPC) in the UK, your e-bike must meet this criteria:

• It must have pedals that can be used to propel it
• It can have more than two wheels, for example, a tricycle
• The electric motor's maximum power cannot exceed 250 watts
• The motor should not be able to propel the bike when it's travelling faster than 15.5mph (around 25kph)
• The bike must show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor
• The bike must also show either the battery's voltage or the maximum speed

If your e-bike doesn't meet these rules, it will be classified as a motor vehicle. This means you will need to register and tax it, have a valid driving licence, and wear a motorcycle helmet. For the latest legal information, visit the gov.uk website.

Converting your own e-bike

Thinking about converting an existing bike to an e-bike? We highly recommend using a reputable provider who can make sure your conversion is done safely and legally, so you can ride with confidence.

Staying safe on the road

Your safety is our top priority. While e-bikes make riding easier, it's important to be aware of the extra safety considerations, especially with batteries.

E-bike battery safety

Improper charging or using an unreliable battery can be a fire risk. Here's a list of standard safety measures.

General safety advice

No matter what you ride, always remember to:

• Wear a helmet. It's a simple step that makes a huge difference
• Follow the rules of the road. Stay aware of your surroundings and other road users
• Ride responsibly: Start slowly to get a feel for your e-bike's power and make sure your brakes are working properly.