Electric bicycles have strict legal limits

In the United Kingdom, electric bicycles are legally restricted to a motor power of no more than 250 watts and must stop providing pedal assistance at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), similar to the rules in France.

Food delivery couriers push legal limits

In the food delivery sector, couriers are typically paid per delivery, which means faster travel leads to more deliveries and higher earnings. Some couriers use modified electric bicycles that exceed the 25 km/h limit to increase their speed and income.

Deliveroo introduces new tracking system

Deliveroo, which employs over 100,000 couriers in the UK, has implemented a new system that combines GPS and speed tracking to monitor delivery times and detect potential violations of the legal speed limits for electric bicycles.

System checks for suspicious speed patterns

The system compares the time it takes to complete a delivery with the expected time based on the vehicle type declared by the courier. If a delivery is completed unusually quickly, Deliveroo contacts the courier to investigate the vehicle being used. A first-time warning is issued, and repeated violations or false declarations result in account suspension.

GPS has limitations in urban areas

Deliveroo acknowledges that GPS signals can be unreliable, especially in dense urban areas or when traveling downhill. The company focuses on detecting sustained speeds that exceed legal limits rather than brief increases, to avoid penalizing couriers who follow the rules.

Modified bikes pose serious risks

Some couriers use modified electric bicycles that can reach nearly 50 km/h, twice the legal limit. Kits purchased abroad can even reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. These modifications make the bicycles illegal and increase the risk of fire, as reported by the London fire brigade, which recorded 171 bicycle-related fires in the past year.

Deliveroo promotes road safety and legal alternatives

As part of its Ride Safe campaign, Deliveroo warns couriers about the dangers of using modified bicycles and advocates for a government ban on the sale of conversion kits. The company also collaborates with electric bicycle manufacturers to provide legal models at discounted prices for its couriers.