Be your own boss: how to set yourself up for Delivery Riding in Australia

How to set yourself up for Delivery Riding.

Over the last five years, the annualised market growth of the courier industry has increased at an impressive average rate of 2.5% per annum. With more people ordering their food and groceries via delivery, the space is rapidly expanding and expected to continue multiplying in the coming years.

As a result, organisations have placed great emphasis on creating positive work experiences for couriers, in order to ensure they have enough riders to meet market demand. There are an array of apps to choose from, including UberEats, DoorDash and Deliveroo, which work towards facilitating flexible, safe and motivating lifestyles for their riders.

With each platform comes different perks, competitive advantages and maybe even discounts. Setting up an account tends to be a rather simple and efficient process, however there are usually a few regulatory steps and checks required to ensure the safety of riders and their consumers.

To help you get across what needs to be done before you start delivery riding, we put together this blog to essentially provide you with a general checklist required for most, if not all food delivery apps.

The guidelines we are providing are simply the most common requirements, but they may alter slightly depending on the platform or local government requirements that you are riding in.

The General Requirements 

In Australia, legal e-bike are limited to reaching a speed of 25km/h and therefore do not require a licence to operate. It is for this reason that e-bikes are treated by food delivery apps in the same way as traditional bikes.

#1 ID Documents

First and foremost, delivery apps usually require copies of a few personal documents to verify your identity and set up your account accurately. When delivering via e-bike, you may be required to present more than one proof of ID including a passport, birth certificate, drivers licence, immi card or a State issued photo card. 

#2 Legal Requirements 

There are two likely legal documents you could be asked to present when signing up as a courier. Firstly, you may be asked to consent to a background check, which can usually be done online and processed within 14 days in order to get you on your e-bike and earning money quickly. Additionally, especially for expats or students, you could be required to do a ‘right to work check’ to ensure you are eligible to work while based in Australia.

When it comes to legal requirements, these may be influenced by the state or territory in which you are based, so we highly recommend checking with the app you decide to go with.

#3 Age Requirements

Like many good things in Australia, in order to start riding with the delivery apps, you will likely be required to be 18 years or older.

#4 Additional Requirements

When you are a courier or food delivery rider, you are technically a sole trader and therefore may require an ABN. Additionally, in order to fulfill your trips, you will need a smartphone, usually an iOS 13.6 or an Android 6 or above.

With delivering via bikes or e-bike, some applications also have Bicycle Safety tests in place, in order to ensure you are safe and comfortable on the road.

If it is your first time handling food, they may additionally put in place Food Safety Modules in order to educate you on how to deliver safely and efficiently earning you the best ratings and tips.

Some businesses may provide you with safety equipment like helmets in order to keep you safe, but if not you will be required to purchase one yourself.

#5 Complete your Profile

Finally, make sure you complete your profile promoted by whichever delivery app you choose to ride with. Keep an eye on your inbox as they will likely reach out and get you situated.

Both you and the apps want to see you succeed and earn when and where you want, so they will usually complete your profile allowing you to start delivering in about five business days.

In order to sum this up, we put together a table of which apps require what…

For more information regarding requirements for each platform visit the UberEats, DoorDash and Deliveroo websites.

Electrify your trips

When you swap a bike for an e-bike you can complete more trips, more easily and safely with the electrically assisted motor. 

If you want to choose your own hours, be your own boss and start earning money by delivery riding via e-bike, Zoomo has you covered with a range of world class bikes built for delivery. Our e-bikes are built using the highest quality hardware and software, as well as manufactured in accordance with government regulations on speed and power for the safety of all road users.

 By investing in a Zoomo bike you are investing in a high quality and legal e-bike that is built for your comfort and safety.

Check out Zoomo’s flexible payment options to get you up and earning to your most efficient and successful capacity.