E-bike 101

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 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 assign orders

Our tech works behind the scenes to get 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 your order assignment 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.

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 provided 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 system and GPS tracking, wear and tear maintenance, free d-lock, USB charging doc for your phone

ETT

  • Total costs: £55 per week
  • Deposit: £200
  • Range: 80 miles
  • Minimum rental period: 4 weels
  • 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

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 what you need to know.

✅ Use the correct charger for your specific battery

✅ Charge batteries indoors at a stable temperature

✅ Unplug the battery once it's fully charged

✅ Check the battery for damage before each ride

✅ If you're not going to be riding for a while, make sure to store the battery with at least 50% capacity

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.