E-bikes for food delivery riders (Uber Eats, DoorDash and others)

Food and grocery delivery is a big part of e-bike riding in Australia’s cities. This guide brings together the rules and new minimum standards. EbikeMate is independent and not affiliated with any delivery platform. General information only — check the official sources.

New minimum pay from 17 August 2026

The Fair Work Commission made a minimum standards order for on-demand delivery workers on 11 August 2026. It started on 17 August 2026.
The minimum hourly rate for food delivery gig workers on pedal or electric bicycles (or e-scooters, or with no vehicle) is $31.30.
It covers “employee-like” workers on digital platforms mainly delivering consumables or groceries, and includes terms on vehicle repairs, record-keeping, fines and insurance.
DoorDash’s guide says the bike rate rises to $31.80 for 2027.

Ride a legal e-bike

Delivery riders follow the same bicycle rules as everyone else. Uber’s Australian e-bike page says e-bikes are legal in all states provided they are certified to the required standards. Bikes with more power, or a throttle that works above 6 km/h, can be seized — in NSW police can crush them. Check yours with the 1-minute legal check.

Helmet always (an approved AS/NZS 2063 helmet).
Lights at night, and walk the bike on footpaths where adults can’t ride (NSW, Victoria).
Queensland: since 31 August 2026 you must be 16+ and hold at least a learner licence (overseas licences recognised).

NSW: high-vis and training rules

Platforms must give riders high-visibility gear — a retroreflective outer garment and a delivery bag meeting the Australian Standard — and riders must wear it while delivering.
Platforms must provide induction training (road safety, hazards, fatigue) and a training verification record that riders must carry and show to an inspector or police.
Not wearing the gear or not carrying the record can bring an on-the-spot $144 fine.

Insurance

DoorDash says it provides a personal accident policy covering Dashers for injuries while using the app. Check what your own platform provides, and whether you need cover for theft of the bike — see e-bike insurance. In NSW, no official injury scheme for delivery riders has been put in place.

Battery safety

Long shifts mean heavy charging. DoorDash’s safety guidance says to use the recommended charger, never leave an e-bike charging unattended, and have a working smoke alarm where you charge. Fire services add: don’t charge overnight, and don’t use a damaged or modified battery. More in the battery fire safety guide.

Renting or buying

Both Uber Eats and DoorDash point riders to e-bike rental subscriptions. If you’d rather own, a good used e-bike can pay for itself in a few months — browse used e-bikes with battery health and kilometres shown, and check the serial before you pay.

Protect your income: protect the bike

A stolen bike means lost shifts. Record the frame serial, photos and receipt in a free Bike Passport. If it’s stolen, flag it in one tap so anyone checking the serial sees it, and listings with that serial are stopped.

Common questions

What is the minimum pay for e-bike delivery riders in Australia?

From 17 August 2026, the Fair Work Commission’s minimum standards order sets $31.30 an hour for food delivery gig workers on pedal or electric bicycles.

Do delivery riders need high-vis in NSW?

Yes. Platforms must provide high-visibility gear and riders must wear it while delivering, and carry their training verification record. The on-the-spot fine is $144.

Can delivery riders use throttle e-bikes?

Only if the throttle works up to 6 km/h. A bike that runs on throttle above 6 km/h, or over the power limit, is not a legal e-bike and can be seized.

Sources

This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

E-bikes for food delivery riders (Uber Eats, DoorDash and others) — 2026 rules and pay