Why e-bike delivery riders deserve better

They zip through city streets marked out by their oversized thermal backpacks, their jobs largely invisible until your food arrives at the door. But lately, food delivery riders - and in particular their choice of transport - have become the focus of a growing moral panic.

With headlines increasingly linking e-bikes to battery fires, some newspapers have found a new villain: the delivery rider. Rarely is there a distinction between legal e-bikes and the illegal, overpowered imports that are at the centre of safety concerns. Rarer still is any mention of why so many riders end up on those bikes in the first place.
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Unlike big chains like Domino’s, which provide company-owned mopeds, the gig economy giants - Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat - operate on a “bring your own vehicle” model. Riders, who are classed as self-employed, must use their own transport.

On the surface, this sounds like flexibility. In practice, it means riders are left to shoulder all the risk - and all the cost - of staying roadworthy.

Legal e-bikes that meet UK Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) standards are limited to 15.5mph with a maximum motor output of 250W. They also tend to cost upwards of £1,200 so it’s no surprise that many turn to cheap imports, high-powered bikes, or DIY conversions. These bikes might look like bicycles, but in the eyes of the law, they’re mopeds - and require insurance, tax, registration and a licence.

If these companies rely on e-bikes to deliver food, why aren’t they providing safe, legal vehicles to the workers who keep their platforms running? The current model externalises every cost - maintenance, charging, breakdowns, compliance - while the platforms reap the profits.

Just as fleets of vans are required to meet emissions and safety standards, food delivery platforms could be required to provide - or lease - compliant e-bikes to their riders. They could partner with manufacturers, offer maintenance support, and ensure batteries meet safety standards. E-biker insurance could be bundled in.

Or, if that’s too much to ask from billion-dollar tech firms, perhaps there’s an opportunity for companies like Lime - already a key player in the micromobility world - to offer special access or rates for delivery riders using their shared e-bikes. It would offer a legal, fire-safe alternative, while boosting fleet usage and visibility.

Delivering change

At its best, the e-bike is a game-changer: fast, quiet, clean. In dense urban areas, it makes far more sense than a car for short deliveries. But the current regulatory and commercial blind spots are hurting the very people e-bikes could help the most.

If we want safer streets, cleaner air and fairer working conditions, we need to stop blaming the rider and start holding platforms to account.

Delivery e-bikes with throttles

Full-throttle e-bikes are an increasingly common sight in towns and cities across the UK. Delivery riders like them because they’re a cheap alternative to a conventional moped. Most are illegal to ride on the roads unless properly registered.

The excpetion is e-bikes sold before January 1 2016 when the law changed. E-bikes sold after that need to be pedalled in order for the motor to work although they are permitted to have a throttle to engage a low-speed 'walk mode'. This feature helps when wheeling a heavy e-bike or e-cargo cycle.

However, there is another way to ride a throttle-only e-bike legally in the UK today if you follow the correct process.

Vehicle approval for full-throttle e-bikes

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations.

The approval process requires the bike be taken to a specially approved testing centre. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.

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How do full-throttle e-bikes work?

Full-throttle e-bikes function like regular electric bicycles when the throttle isn’t engaged. Riders can use the throttle for an extra push when needed, without compromising other standard EAPC functions.

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Understanding L1e e-bikes

L1e electric bikes are classified under the Low Powered Moped category. They must meet specific requirements:

1. Pedal Capability: The bike must be equipped with pedals capable of propelling it.
2. Motor Specifications: The electric motor should not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the bike faster than 15.5 mph.

These e-bikes must have front and rear lights operated together by one single switch. Once the authorities approve them, riders can legally use these bikes on roads and cycle paths in the UK at speeds up to 15.5 mph using the throttle.

Why choose a full-throttle e-bike?

Enhanced Control: They offer better control and safety when navigating traffic at low speeds.
Instant Power: Full-throttle e-bikes deliver immediate acceleration, useful for starting from traffic lights or climbing hills.
Inclusivity: These e-bikes enable people with mobility issues to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

How much does e-bike vehicle approval cost?

Anyone can get their bike approved at a DVSA-approved centre for £55, payable at the time of booking. This fee covers the test and certification, ensuring your bike meets all necessary standards.

Buying a legal full-throttle e-bike

Wisper bikes offer a comprehensive Single Vehicle Approval certification service, priced at £300 for a new bike or £350 for a used Wisper bike, in addition to the bike’s purchase price.

E-bike insurance cover

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down, we'll rescue you.

If your e-bike suffers a mechanical failure, puncture, or even a flat battery, we'll rescue you, your bike, and any cargo (or kids) you're carrying.
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Cycle Rescue is free with ETA bicycle insurance

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location. The service is included for free with ETA cycle insurance, along with:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

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The original. And still the best.

The ETA has provided specialist cycle insurance for over 30 years – longer than anyone else in the UK. Over the decades, we have earned a reputation for our friendly customer service and environmental ethics.

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