Why choose an electric bike for delivery?
At a time when companies' carbon footprints are under close scrutiny, electric bike delivery of parcels or meals is an ecological and economical solution. What's more, the ever-increasing importance of bicycle lanes in cities makes this gentle means of transport an easy way to save precious time. What are the major advantages of electric bike delivery ? Which electric bike should I choose for deliveries? Whether you're a restaurateur, independent delivery driver or manager of a transport company, we explain everything you need to know to make the switch to electric two-wheelers.
Delivery drivers: why switch to electric bikes?
Increase your delivery range and efficiency: with an electric bike, you can go further and faster than with a muscle bike. You don't need to worry about distances or gradients during your delivery: electric assistance will help you get to the end customer faster and without breaking a sweat! Thanks to the electric motor, you'll be able to make more deliveries without getting too tired.
Save time: with an EAB, you can avoid traffic jams by using bike lanes or overtaking stationary cars.
Save money: EABs require much less maintenance than scooters or cars. What's more, saying goodbye to petrol means that your errands will be far more profitable than with a voracious engine to feed!
Do good for the environment: by choosing an electric bike, you'll considerably reduce your carbon footprint and take some of the burden off the planet. And in addition to the environmental benefits, you'll also reduce noise pollution in cities.
Increase your sympathy capital : customers tend to have more sympathy for delivery drivers on bicycles, which can lead to bigger tips!
Electric bike delivery: health benefits
Keep fit while you work: cycling is a great way to exercise. With an electric bike, you can adjust the effort you need to put in, so you can stay in shape without burning out or sweating excessively. A powerful argument, especially in summer...
Electric assistance to make your work easier: delivering parcels or meals all day is hard work! The bike's electric assistance reduces fatigue, keeping you fresh and alert throughout your working day.
Electric bike delivery: a few drawbacks to note
A high initial cost
The initial cost of an electric bike can be quite high, especially when compared with a traditional bicycle. However, these costs can often be offset by savings in fuel, maintenance and insurance over the long term, compared with the purchase of a scooter. What's more, you increase your number of deliveries and expand your geographical area.
Battery life
The battery life of an electric bike varies according to its capacity, the level of assistance used, the weather and the terrain. If the battery runs down during a delivery, the extra weight of the bike can make the rest of the journey more difficult. It will be crucial for you to remember to recharge your battery every evening, or to have a second battery charged when you're working.
As far as possible, be thrifty when using electric assistance, to avoid disappointment.
VAE: beware of theft
Unfortunately, because of their value, electric bikes can be an attractive target for thieves. That's why it's important to always secure your EAB when it's left unattended with a bike lock. It's also a good idea to take out insurance to cover you against theft and accidents.
Despite these drawbacks, the electric bike is by far the most attractive mode of urban transport for deliveries!
Delivery drivers: choose the VAE that's right for you
Choose a sturdy, durable electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB)
As a delivery driver, your bike is your main work tool, so look for a sturdy model to ensure that your investment lasts over time. For the best value, opt for an aluminum frame. These frames are both strong and light, perfect for agility in town.
Select the right range for your electric bike
Battery life is a crucial issue for delivery drivers - it's the lifeblood of the business. You don't want to run out of battery in the middle of a delivery? Look for a bike with a range of at least 60-80 km, which should be enough for a day's work in the city center.
Remember, however, that actual range depends on many factors, such as the rider's weight, the level of assistance used and the type of terrain.
Choose a bike with good braking capabilities
Brakes are essential for your safety. You're probably going to spend all day in the middle of traffic. Even if you anticipate every possible danger, good braking is essential. Hydraulic disc brakes are generally the best option, offering excellent stopping power even in the rain.
For your deliveries, consider the safety aspect
As a delivery driver, you'll probably leave your electric bike unattended several times during the day. So make sure it's equipped with a good locking system. It may also be a good idea to choose a model with an integrated GPS tracking system, so you can find your bike in the event of theft.
Find out about after-sales service and warranty
Before you buy, check what kind of warranty is offered and how after-sales service works. It's best to choose a brand with a reputation for good customer service. At Upway, all reconditioned electric bikes come with a 12-month warranty.
Can't decide which electric bike to buy?
If you're not at all sure which electric-assist bike to choose, we've put together a list of the best electric bikes for delivery drivers, from city bikes to road bikes.
Whether it's a handy electric bike for transporting meal trays or an electric cargo bike for delivering parcels... at Upway, we've got the perfect bike for you!
The best delivery bikes for UberEats and Deliveroo
1. Haibike Sduro Trekking 4.0
The Haibike Sduro Trekking e-bike is robust and reliable, with a powerful Yamaha motor and 500 Wh battery offering good range. Its comfortable frame and wide tires make it ideal for city use.
- Range: up to 90-100 km
- Engine: Yamaha PW-Series ST, 70 Nm
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Price Upway : 1949 euros
2. Moustache Samedi 28.3
This model from French brand Moustache features a Bosch Performance Line electric motor and a 500 Wh battery. It's designed for urban use, with a sturdy rear rack for carrying meals.
- Range: up to 90-100 km
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus with 50 Nm of torque
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Price Upway : From €2,199
3. Cube Touring Hybrid One
The Cube Touring Hybrid One is equipped with a Bosch motor, a 500 Wh battery and a sturdy rear rack. It's designed for comfort and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for meal delivery drivers.
Perfect for delivery services, this VAE is powered by a powerful Bosch motor and a 500 Wh battery. Its luggage rack on the rear wheel is ideal for carrying a Just Eat, Deliveroo or Uber Eat transport bag.
- Range: up to 120 km
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line 65 Nm
- Battery: 625 Wh
- Price Upway : From 1649 euros
4. Trek Allant 8
The well-designed Trek Allant 8 bike will be the ideal partner for your deliveries in city centers and surrounding towns. It has a sturdy frame and an integrated luggage rack for carrying meals.
The little extra: great value for money at Upway.
- Range: up to 120 km
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm
- Battery: 625 Wh
- Price Upway : From 1999 euros
5. Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0
Quality from one of the world's leading manufacturers at your service! This VAE is very pleasant, easy to handle and responsive. The battery has a relatively low capacity, but it's enough for a lot of city deliveries.
- Range: up to 80-90 km
- Engine: Specialized 1.2 E
- Battery: 460 Wh
- Price Upway : 1,899 euros
The best cargo bikes for couriers and parcel deliverers
1. Riese & Müller Load 60 HS
Change the world with this electric cargo bike from the prestigious Riese & Müller brand. Its 850 Wh battery will give you a range of up to 150 km! Its large body has a load capacity of up to 200 kg.
- Range: up to 150 km
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line Speed, 85 Nm
- Battery: 850 Wh
- Price Upway : 4199 euros
2. Urban Arrow Shorty
The Urban Arrow Shorty cargo bike is ideal for transporting heavy loads in urban environments. It's compact, easy to maneuver and maneuverable for a bike of this type. It's powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm motor and a 500 Wh battery for long range. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and robust.
- Range: up to 70-90 km
- Engine: Bosch Performance Line CX, 75 Nm torque
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Price Upway : 3549 euros
3. Tern Vecktron S10
The compact Tern Vecktron S10 VAE is perfect for navigating city traffic while still being able to carry a heavy load. It features a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, hydraulic disc brakes and a 400 Wh battery.
A major advantage: it's a folding bike!
- Range: up to 80 km
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
- Battery: 400
- Price Upway : €2599
4. Cube Cargo Sport Hybrid
Probably one of the best cargo bikes for delivery drivers! Very sturdy, it has a large, sturdy body to ensure a good load capacity. Its powerful Bosch motor with 85 Nm of torque will keep you on the bike paths all day long.
- Range: up to 90 km
- Engine: Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Price Upway : 3499 euros
5. B2eBike City Cargo
The B2ebike City Cargo is the ultimate ally for your daily commute! And what's more, it's a low price...
This compact cargo bike is ideal for delivery drivers who need autonomy. Thanks to its dual-battery system, there are no unpleasant surprises on the road. A special feature for an electric cargo bike: a Bafang motor on the rear wheel.
- Range: up to 100 km
- Motor: Bafang rear wheel
- Battery: 556 Wh
- Price Upway : €1,599
Let yourself be tempted by an electric bike for your deliveries!
In a nutshell, the electric bike is a practical, economical, environmentally-friendly and healthy option. Why not give it a try to make your daily delivery routine easier?
By adopting the VAE, you're not only transforming your work, you're also contributing to a greener future. Go electric with Upway and discover for yourself the many advantages this little revolution has to offer.