Uber Eats has grown at an exponential rate in the UK. Uber Eats began food delivery in August 2014 with the launch of the UberFRESH service in California but later launched in the UK. If you are thinking of becoming an Uber Eats rider in the UK then this article is for you. I cover the basics on the business and options to help you get the best eBike for Uber Eats riders UK. Helping to ensure you are safe and legally riding.
What is Uber Eats?
Uber Eats is a food delivery service. Historically food delivery to home in the UK was limited to pizza, Indian or Chinese. Uber Eats changed the delivery business in the UK by partnering with restaurants all across the UK since launch here in 2016. Essentially Uber Eats bring food to your door.
Uber Eats UK headquarters is in London and has over 10,000 employees worldwide.
How many delivery riders does Uber Eats UK have?
Uber Eats operate in over 100 cities and towns across the UK. They work with 2,000 restaurant partners and major grocery partners. Uber Eats currently has more than 5,000 self-employed delivery riders.
When you are selecting an electric bike for delivery work, consider factors such as battery range, cargo capacity (if you need to carry a lot). In addition worth thinking about comfort, and the reputation of the manufacturer for reliability and customer support. Test riding bikes and getting hands-on experience can also help you determine which model best suits your needs.
Buying considerations for a Uber Eats Rider
The best e-bike for Uber Eats will depend on various factors. Here are the key buying considerations when buying an eBike for Uber Eats UK riders:
- Battery:
- Consider the battery range. This determines how far you can travel on a single charge. For delivery work, especially in urban areas, having a sufficient range is crucial to cover multiple deliveries. My tip on this is consider if the battery can be removed. If you live in a flat and cannot carry the eBike up this will be crucial so you can charge it at home.
- Cargo Capacity:
- You may want to deliver using the Uber Eats backpack. There are options to use your bike to carry the load or eBikes with frames built for heavy duty packages. If you look for an e-bike with a sturdy cargo rack or the ability to attach panniers or a delivery box this could give you more flexibility.
- Frame design:
- A step-through frame design is one without a top tube. This can be beneficial for easy mounting and dismounting. As an Uber Eats rider this is especially relevant to help you when you are frequently stopping for deliveries.
- Comfort and Riding Position:
- If you are planning on spending many hours doing Uber Eats deliveries make sure to consider how comfortable it is to ride. Opt for an e-bike with a comfortable riding position, nothing too aggressive or sports based. This is especially important for long hours of riding. Consider features such as an adjustable saddle, ergonomic grips, and a suspension system for added comfort. You can change the saddle to a personal one if this is the only issue with an eBike you like.
- Durability and Build Quality:
- Daily riding can be hard on an eBike. You want something that you can trust and be reliable. Look for a well-built and durable e-bike that can withstand the demands of frequent use. Consider the quality of components, frame material, and overall construction. For this reason we only recommend established brands with a track record of reliability.
- Tyres and Suspension:
- Choose tyres that are suitable for urban riding and possibly varied terrain. Some e-bikes come with front or full suspension, which can enhance comfort, especially if you encounter uneven surfaces. I would not recommend full suspension for Uber Eats UK riders. It adds weight and you don’t really need that level of suspension. Tyres need to be suitably designed for grip but a fat bike tyre is not worth it. They are expensive and they reduce your possible range.
- Brakes:
- Ensure the e-bike is equipped with reliable brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are commonly found on higher-end models and provide efficient stopping power, which is important for safety during deliveries especially in wet conditions so you can work all year round.
- Integrated Lighting and Reflectors:
- Consider an e-bike with integrated lights and reflectors for visibility, especially if you plan to make deliveries during low-light conditions.
- Weight:
- While e-bikes are generally heavier than traditional bikes due to the battery and motor, consider a weight that you are comfortable handling, especially if you may need to carry the bike upstairs or lift it onto a rack.
- Security Features:
- Look for e-bikes with built-in security features such as a locking system or GPS tracking. This is important for preventing theft, which can be a concern for delivery riders. Don’t forget the costs of a good lock. I recently had a bike stolen that had a good quality lock on it but thieves used an angle grinder on it and within minutes my bike was taken. It is also possible to add an after market GPS tracker such as the Sherlock bike tracker. This could be well worth it as this is your lifelihood.
- Legal Compliance:
- Ensure that the chosen e-bike complies with UK regulations for electric bikes, including motor power limits and speed restrictions. Read on for more information on what this means.
- Budget:
- Set a budget and look for e-bikes that offer the best combination of features within that budget. Consider the overall cost, including any additional accessories you may need.
What type of eBike can a Uber Eats rider use?
There are legal restrictions on the type of electric bike you are permitted to use in the UK. There are 3 types of eBikes. To use an eBike legally for Uber Eats deliveries you must use a Class 1 e-Bike.
A class 1 eBike needs to use pedal assistance only so not relying on a throttle. The motor must be limited to no more than 250w and be speed limited to a maximum speed of 15.5mph. The general classification is an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC).
You are likely to see deilvery riders using electric bikes that are clearly in breach of this but the reality is these are not legal in the UK. They are also in breach of the guidelines outlined by Uber Eats themselves.
It’s important to note that regulations can change, and it’s advisable to check for the latest information and any updates to e-bike laws in the UK.
For more general information on eBikes in the UK and how they have grown see our update on eBikes.
Uber Eats Official Guidelines for eBike riders
Uber Eats have not provided any formal guidance on what type of eBikes to use in the UK.
Renting an eBike for Uber Eats riders
Is it possible to rent an eBike for Uber Eats riders? Yes. Zoomo offer a monthly subscription service to use their eBikes. It is a relatively expensive way to get an eBike. Monthly plans start from £119 depending on length of contract. You can find more on the Zoomo plans direct from their website.
Best eBike for Uber Eats riders in the UK
My recommendation for the best eBike for Uber Eats riders in the UK is the Raleigh Motus Grand Tour LowStep. I recommend it for Uber Eats riders for a number of reasons. It is reasonably priced at under £2k with a number of deals available on the bike. With the step through frame you can easily use it while making deliveries. Weighing 28kg with a full pannier on the back it can take a serious load. With a 500Wh battery it has a range of potentially up to 100 miles so not too many recharges in a day needed.
With 9 gears and a bomb proof Bosch motor it is super reliable. The mid-mount motor produces 50Nm of torque that is essential for maintaining progress even when fully loaded. The gearing is all Shimano so reliable but equally important spares will be readily available. It has city tyres so efficient and again not expensive to replace. All important considerations for Deliveroo riders.
Key Features of the Raleigh Motus ebike
| Frame | 6061 Aluminium step-through frame |
| Motor | Bosch active line plus 50Nm Torque |
| Battery | Bosch 500Wh Lithium-ion removable battery |
| Range | Up to 130km (100 miles) |
| Weight | 28kg |
Reasons to buy the Raleigh Motus electric bike
Massive range and established components on the Raleigh Motus mean it is a trusted eBike you can rely on. Perfect for a Uber Eats rider looking for an eBike.
Best price for the Raleigh Motus Grand Tour LowStep e-bike
Buy the Raleigh Motus Grand Tour for £1,999 from Tredz
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