Be your own boss: Requirements to Start Delivering by Ebike in the UK

Over the last five years, the annualised market growth of the online food ordering and delivery platforms is expected to grow 22.2% in 2022* alone. 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.

How to set yourself up for delivery riding

In Great Britain, legal electric bikes operating with a maximum speed of 25kph assisted by the motor do not require a license to operate.  For this reason, most e-bike are treated by food delivery apps in the same way as traditional bikes. Faster e-bikes may require licensing and insurance.

#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 will be required  to present one of the following forms of photo identification: a passport from any country, a EU or UK drivers licence, or a EU citizen/identity 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 processed within 14 days in order to get you on your e-bike and earning money quickly. Additionally, you could be required to do a ‘right to work check’ to ensure you are eligible to work while based in the UK.

When it comes to legal requirements, each app may have different legal protocols in place, so we highly recommend investigating your particular platform.

#3 Age Requirements

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

#4 Additional Requirements

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 electric bikes, 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 electric 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.