E-bike 101

E-bikes are becoming more and more popular, and for great reason. They make it so much easier to ride, and make tackling hills a breeze. If you’re thinking of switching to an e-bike, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to ride safely. 

Deliveroo rider discounts

We partnered with several great e-bike rental providers that offer discounts for Deliveroo riders. You can see the discounts on the Perks page.

How to let us know you’re riding an e-bike

You can read about the process to let us know you’d like to change your vehicle type here.

How to get the most out of your e-bike’s battery

  • Fully charge the battery before you use it for the first time. 
  • Never charge the battery in freezing conditions.
  • Letting the battery run empty on a regular basis will shorten its lifespan considerably. If possible, try to charge the battery when there is between 30-60% remaining.
  • Don’t leave your battery on charge for an extended period of time – such as several days. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to take it off the charger.
  • If you’re going to take a break from riding, don’t store the battery empty. At least 50% capacity remaining is ideal.
  • Buying a battery from an unreliable or disreputable supplier, or charging one incorrectly could pose a fire hazard. Find out more on the London Fire Brigade website

Buying an e-bike

Looking to buy an e-bike from somewhere? In order for an e-bike to be legal to ride it must meet the government’s criteria for an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC). 

  • It must have pedals that can be used to propel it
  • It must show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor
  • It must also show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike
  • The electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts, and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph (around 25 kmh)
  • It can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).
  • Your bike cannot exceed 250Wl, and must stop giving assistance at 15mph.

If your e-bike doesn’t comply with these rules, it will need to be registered, insured and taxed as a motor vehicle. In this case, you will also need a driving licence, and you must wear a motorcycle helmet.

Converting your own e-bike

If you're considering converting your existing bicycle to an e-bike, Deliveroo highly recommends using a reputable provider who can ensure that the bike is converted safely and legally.