How to Start Delivery Riding in London: The Complete Beginner's Guide (2025)

If you're wondering how to start delivery riding in London, this guide walks you through every step — from getting your CBT certificate to completing your first paid delivery. Whether you want extra income or a full-time gig, food delivery remains one of the fastest ways to start earning on two wheels.

London has thousands of active riders working across Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat every day. The setup process is straightforward when you know what documents you need and what order to complete each step.

What Do You Need Before You Can Start Riding?

Before you can work as a delivery scooter rider in London, you need four essentials.

A Valid Driving Licence

Most riders start with a UK provisional licence. A full UK motorcycle licence also works, but it isn't required for delivery work on a 125cc scooter.

A CBT Certificate

CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. This one-day course teaches basic motorcycle safety and allows you to ride a 125cc scooter legally on the road. Most training centres in East London run CBT courses for between £150 and £250, and the certificate is valid for two years.

For a full breakdown of the process, see our CBT certificate guide for East London riders.

Access to a 125cc Scooter

Most delivery platforms accept riders using a 125cc scooter. You can either buy one or hire one. Many new riders choose hire because it avoids large upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities. If you're deciding between the two, read our renting vs buying a scooter guide.

Hire and Reward Insurance

Standard motorbike insurance does not cover food delivery work. You need specific Hire and Reward (H&R) insurance to legally carry food and complete paid deliveries. Riding commercially without it is illegal and will invalidate any claim. Learn more in our Hire and Reward insurance guide for delivery riders.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Delivery Rider in London

Follow this checklist in order.

1. Apply for a provisional licence if you don't already have one.
2. Complete your CBT certificate.
3. Arrange access to a 125cc scooter — buy or hire.
4. Get Hire and Reward insurance.
5. Create rider accounts with delivery platforms.
6. Upload documents and complete platform onboarding.
7. Activate your account.
8. Go online and start accepting orders.

Most delays happen during platform approval, not the riding requirements themselves. Submit your applications as soon as your documents are ready.

Cost Breakdown for New Riders

Starting food delivery work with a scooter involves a few unavoidable costs. Here's what to expect.

If you hire instead of buying, many of those upfront costs disappear. For example, ShiftLease offers delivery-ready 125cc scooters in East London on the following terms:

The hire-only plan at £60/week is open to riders aged 18 and over with a valid CBT — one of the lowest entry points in East London. Check your eligibility here.

Signing Up to Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat

Once your scooter and insurance are sorted, it's time to apply to the platforms. Most riders apply to more than one to increase order volume.

Deliveroo Onboarding

Deliveroo requires a driving licence, CBT certificate, right to work documentation, insurance documents and vehicle details. After approval, you'll receive access to the rider app and can begin accepting orders. Onboarding times vary by area and current rider demand.

Uber Eats Sign Up

Uber Eats asks for similar documents. You'll upload everything through the app and complete identity verification before activation. In busy East London zones, approval times depend on rider demand in your area at the time of application.

Just Eat Rider Applications

Just Eat accepts scooter riders across many London areas. Requirements broadly match Deliveroo and Uber Eats, although onboarding procedures may differ. Many riders use all three apps and switch between them to maximise daily earnings.

How Much Can You Earn as a Delivery Rider in London?

Earnings vary based on hours worked, area, weather, time of day, number of platforms used and experience. The busiest periods are typically:

• Lunch — 11am to 2pm
• Dinner — 5pm to 9pm
• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Wet weather (fewer riders means more orders per rider)

Central London and busy East London zones — Stratford, Ilford, Barking, East Ham — typically generate more order volume than quieter residential areas. As a self-employed rider, you'll pay your own tax and National Insurance. Keep records of income, expenses and mileage from day one.

Choosing the Right Scooter Setup

Not every scooter setup works well for delivery riding. You need reliability, low fuel consumption and enough storage for daily use.

Why Most Delivery Riders Use 125cc Scooters

A 125cc scooter offers the right balance of low running costs, easy manoeuvrability in London traffic, enough power for A-road speeds, and affordable insurance. That's why most delivery platform requirements in the UK are built around 125cc scooters as the standard vehicle class.

Buying vs Hiring a Scooter

Buying gives you ownership but comes with maintenance costs, MOT administration, insurance management and depreciation to consider. Hiring offers predictable weekly costs and removes the maintenance burden entirely. Many new riders prefer hiring while they test whether delivery work suits their schedule and lifestyle — particularly useful if you're not sure how many hours a week you'll want to work.

ULEZ Compliance Matters in London

All London delivery riders need to be aware of ULEZ requirements. Modern Euro 5 compliant 125cc scooters are fully ULEZ exempt, letting riders work across the city without incurring additional daily charges. Always confirm ULEZ compliance before hiring or buying a scooter for London delivery work.

Common Mistakes New Delivery Riders Make

Starting Without Hire and Reward Insurance

This is the most common and most serious error. Standard SD&P insurance does not cover commercial food delivery. Riding for pay without H&R insurance is illegal and any accident claim will be rejected. Sort this before you go online on any platform.

Waiting Too Long to Apply to Platforms

Submit your platform applications as soon as your documents are ready. Some onboarding queues take longer than others, and demand in your area affects approval speed.

Underestimating Equipment Needs

At minimum you'll need a helmet, phone mount, lock, delivery storage and waterproof gear. Working without proper equipment makes long shifts significantly harder and less profitable.

Ignoring Tax Responsibilities

Delivery riders operate as self-employed workers. You must register with HMRC, track all income and expenses, and file a self-assessment tax return each year. Start tracking from your very first shift.

Who Qualifies for Scooter Hire in East London?

Eligibility varies between providers. At ShiftLease, the current tiers are:

Applications with 2 or more points or a recent fault claim cannot be accepted. If you're unsure whether you qualify, submit an application — the form assesses your details and responds the same day.

Delivery Rider Startup Checklist

Before your first shift, confirm you have:

• Provisional or full UK licence
• Valid CBT certificate (or A1 motorcycle licence)
• Access to a ULEZ-compliant 125cc scooter
• Active Hire and Reward insurance policy
• Rider accounts approved on at least one platform
• Smartphone with platform rider apps installed
• Approved helmet (ECE 22.06 or equivalent)
• Phone mount and power bank
• Chain lock
• Bank account registered for payments
• Right to work documentation

Every box ticked means you're ready to go online and start earning.

Frequently Asked Questions