Like it or not, we are well into the era of the gig economy. Delivering food for apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats & Grubhub has become a mainstay in this economy. It gives you all the flexibility and income of driving, without the hassle of passengers. The one common thread between ride-share & food delivery driving? The traffic.
What if you could eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, the delay that pesky urban traffic causes when you’re delivering food to make extra cash on the side? All while saving on fuel costs? The most obvious answer may have been whizzing past you on the pavement. Swapping a gas-guzzling car for an easy-to-ride long-range e-bike might be the solution to both rising fuel costs and increased urban congestion.
Navigating the crowded micromobility market is not easy under normal circumstances, but it is especially challenging given the needs of delivery riders. You need exceptional battery capacity, a heavy-duty frame, and mechanical layouts that support a sizable load, all while keeping maintenance simple.
Before we dive into what delivery e-bikes are best for the job, let's look at what makes for a good delivery e-bike.
A battery with a capacity of 1000-1500 Wh. Or roughly 75-100 miles on a full charge.
A motor with at least 250 W, or one producing 75 to 100 Nm of torque.
A front and/or rear rack rated for at least 50 lbs for carrying multiple orders.
A minimum IPX5-rated controller/display and an IP68-rated motor and electronics, so you can continue to work in rain, hair, or snow.
Our expectations may be lofty, but remember that a missed delivery shift could be the difference between making rent or not. With that in mind, here are our picks for the best commercially available e-bikes for hauling food and carrying parcels.
Dual-Battery Utility
The Lectric Xpedition 2 sets the baseline for a high-mileage courier who needs a high-torque hauler. Priced at $1999, the long-range dual-battery version has a 1680 Wh capacity and can travel 170 miles on a full charge. The bike’s 750 W rear-hub motor (1310 W peak) can generate 85 Nm of torque. The rear rack, when combined with the rest of the bike, is rated for 300 lbs. The rack also features 2 mounting windows for items ranging from waterproof carriers to child seats.
Flagship Carrier
The Tern GSD 10 is the pinnacle of premium, low-maintenance engineering for professionals. However, it comes at a premium of $4499. It relies on a high-end Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive motor that delivers 85 Nm of torque and adjusts power smoothly based on your pedal pressure. With a dual-battery set-up, you can choose between 2400 or 900 Wh batteries, guaranteeing over 100 miles of operation. Its industrial-grade Atlas rack is rated for a 220 lb (100 kg) load. The mid-drive motor is more efficient than commonly found rear-hub motors because it delivers power directly to the drivetrain.
Fat Tire Utility
The Velotric GoMad e-bike costs $1999. It runs an aggressive 750W rear hub motor and can generate 85 Nm of torque with a 1300W peak output to conquer steep hills easily. The 806 Wh battery gets you 75 miles. The bike tops out at 28 mph and uses both torque and cadence sensors to deliver the most responsive ride possible. The entire bike is rated for 500 lbs, while the rear rack alone can handle 176 lbs. This model contrasts with standard, slim-tired cargo haulers by utilizing 20x4.0-inch Kenda puncture-resistant fat tires and a 100mm front suspension fork to swallow brutal city potholes. Tech security tools are a premium highlight, giving couriers Apple Find My tracking alongside secure NFC card unlocking out on the road.
Reliability & Utility
The Rad Power RadWagon 5 costs $2399. For that price, you get a reliable machine from a reputed manufacturer known for manufacturing cargo bikes. The standard model features a 720 Wh battery, but since it is external and RadPower sells spares, buying an additional battery for $599 and charging it to replace it when it's dead isn't much of an issue. The heavy-duty integrated rear rack is rated to haul a substantial 120 lbs, providing ample support for bulky grocery orders.
Multi-utility Cargo
The Fiido T3 Max Longtail Cargo is fairly priced at $2299 for the number of features packed into its sturdy frame. It relies on a 250W mid-drive motor that delivers 100 Nm of torque. With a dual-battery 1620 Wh set-up, this bike can travel 124 miles. The longtail cargo rack alone is rated for 177 lbs, and the bike as a whole can handle up to 440 lbs. Additionally, this bike’s thicker, grooved tires let you ride on all sorts of terrain when you’re off the clock.
Making Your Decision
Finding your ideal delivery machine is akin to finding the best computer for work. Just as A/V editing software and intense coding require different hardware configurations, different riding terrains require different set-ups. An intense uphill climb calls for a Tern GSD10, with its powerful motor and high gear ratios. Meanwhile, flatter terrain warrants the Fiido T3 for its lower motor power and longer range. If range is your priority and you’re not keen on recharging your bike repeatedly, the Lectric’s 1680 Wh battery may be your ideal choice.