How to choose the right e-bike for your business

There are now almost 450 independent businesses and tradespeople across the UK delivering goods using nothing but pedal power and electricity.

With so many e-bikes on the market, which one do you choose? Well, we’ve been doing some research to help you determine the best electric bike for delivery. Stick with us as we lead you through the e-bike maze and look at:

Why e-bikes are proving so popular

Using e-bikes to deliver food and goods makes financial, efficient, and environmental sense. And lots of delivery businesses are already turning to e-cargo bikes and ditching their gas-guzzling vans.

Financial

The most obvious saving is on fuel. Delivery vans need petrol or diesel, and they need to be regularly serviced and maintained. Bikes, on the other hand, are much cheaper to run. It costs about 1p a mile to power an e-bike, making deliveries on two wheels up to 90% cheaper than with a van1.

Although you do have the initial investment of your e-bike fleet, they are still considerably cheaper than buying a van; plus, there are no:

• Rising fuel costs
• Congestion charges
• Parking costs
• Ultra-low emissions zone charges
• Vehicle taxes
• High insurance fees

Efficient

Town and city centres are crammed with traffic. Unlike their four-wheeled counterparts, e-bikes can weave through traffic and make deliveries quickly and efficiently. In fact, e-bikes are up to 60% faster than vans in city centres1 so that customers can get their food and goods faster, and drivers can make more deliveries in a shorter period.

Environmental

Air pollution is one of the most significant health risks in Europe. Cycling saves 16 million tons of CO2 per year in the EU3. Yes, using e-bikes for your deliveries cuts carbon emissions by 90% compared with diesel vans and a third compared with electric vans4. And on top of that, they are quieter, cut congestion, and use a fraction of the road space of a typical delivery van.

Other reasons include improved employee health and wellbeing and company image. Let’s face it, having your delivery riders cycling around town with a personalised, branded cargo bike is an excellent way of connecting with people in a positive way.

Your key considerations when it comes to choosing an e-bike for your deliveries

Before we look at some of the best electric bikes for deliveries, let’s look at what you should be looking for when making your choice.

Ultimately, the one you go for will depend on what you’ll be using it for, but here are a few pointers to help you make the right decision.

Battery

The bigger the battery, the further you can ride and the more you can earn. For deliveries, you should look at a bike with a minimum of 13 Ah (amp hours), which equates to about a four-hour shift.

Brakes

E-bikes (especially when carrying cargo) are heavier than standard bikes, so having the right brakes is essential. Hydraulic brakes give superb stopping power.

Suspension

Comfort is the name of the game for cycle couriers. Getting as much suspension as possible will not only give you a more enjoyable ride but also prevent your cargo from being shaken up.

Tyres

The last thing you want is your delivery riders to stop every few miles to fix punctures. Investing in puncture-resistant tyres is a must to keep your two-wheel fleet operational.

Motor

In the e-bike world, there are three types of motor: mid-drives, rear hub motors and front hub motors. Front hub motors are the lowest maintenance, keeping your fleet moving longer.

Accessories

This will depend on what you’re using the bike for. If you’re carrying a lot of cargo, an e-cargo bike may be a better fit. However, if a rack on the back will suffice (or if your couriers use backpacks), an e-bike will fit the bill.

Integrated security and safety

First, lights are essential, so make sure the e-bikes you go for have them. Then, you must think about security. Try and find a model with integrated security features such as locks, alarms, and GPS trackers.

Which e-bikes are suitable for deliveries, and which are not

Three types of e-bikes that are ideal for deliveries:

We wouldn’t recommend you use a folding e-bike as these can be heavy to lug about. Oh, and if you’re thinking of doing a few DIY conversions…not a good idea.

Our pick of the best electric bikes for deliveries

OK, this is what you’ve been waiting for. We’ve done our research and come up with five of the best electric bikes for deliveries currently on the market.

Eskuta SX-250D Electric delivery bike

Although it looks and performs like a petrol moped, it is classed as an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC). It’s ideal for food delivery drivers and includes (as standard) a rear carrier box, a technology bar with a GPS holder, and a USB charging port.

It has a range of 50 miles (80 km) on a single 7.5-hour charge.

Included is an ultrasonic remote-control alarm with an immobiliser and a 1-year or 8000-mile warranty.

Ultimo E2.0 Classic Urban E-bike

Puncture-resistant tyres and a 250W rear hub motor.

Shimano 9-speed drivetrain and a traditional step-through frame.

Suspension seat post for a more comfortable ride.

Great for food/small item deliveries.

Allant+ 8 – Trek

Shimano 10-speed gear system.

Long-life 500 Wh battery.

Removable integrated battery.

Pedal assist to 25 kilometres p/h.

120+ km range on a single charge.

Powerful drive system and hydraulic breaks – ideal for food deliveries.

Rad Power Bikes – RadWagon

Can haul up to 350 lbs.

750 W geared hub motor, 7-speed drivetrain, 5-level pedal-assist feature, and a 48V/672 Wh Lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge.

Puncture-resistant tyres.

Zero – Zoomo

Built-in electric lock.

4-hour charging and an 8-hour battery.

Front motor.

Hydraulic brakes.

The great thing about e-bikes is that they can be used in all weather because all the components are sealed from the elements. So, come rain or shine, your deliveries will always reach your customers.

Why micromobility insurance is vital for your fleet of delivery e-bikes

When making a significant investment in an e-bike fleet, you must ensure they are covered against theft or damage. Of course, you must also think about your riders. Being on two wheels makes them vulnerable on the roads, so it’s vital you also protect them (and other road users) in case of injury.

Getting specialist e-bike fleet insurance is a must if you want to keep your two-wheeled delivery army mobilised. After all, if you were running vans, you would insure them, so why not your e-bikes?

Laka’s commercial insurance can be tailored to meet the needs of your fleet and riders. Voted ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ for three years running, they’ve got your back when the shit hits the fan.

1. Rideonebikes.co.uk
2. The Guardian
3. European Cyclists’ Federation
4. The Guardian