DELIVEROO AND JUST EAT COULD BE FORCED TO POLICE RIDERS’ ILLEGAL 40MPH EBIKES

Ministers are being urged to change the law to stop delivery riders for companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats using dangerous black market e-bikes.

Labour MP Fabian Hamilton is backing moves to amend workers’ rights legislation to close a legal loophole that means gig economy firms can avoid health and safety laws by classing their riders as independent contractors with the right to “substitute” their labour.

This is pushing riders into unsafe working conditions as some use illegal, powerful “fake e-bikes” to boost their pay by making more deliveries, while riding dangerously, according to a report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for Cycling and Walking, chaired by Hamilton.

E-bikes are restricted to 15.5mph by law, but some illegal bikes can reach 40mph.

The report found that the most serious incidents involving e-bikes, including fatal battery fires and road collisions, are linked to unsafe, modified, or black-market bikes and batteries purchased online.

The inquiry also heard evidence from unions, legal experts, riders and emergency services that “made clear that platform working conditions – particularly substitution clauses, lack of formal worker status, and pay-per-drop models are the driving force which cause many riders to take dangerous risks to make ends meet”, the MP said.

Substitute riders

It comes after an investigation by The i Paper last year uncovered a growing black market for renting accounts on apps including Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat, with more than 100,000 people subscribing to Facebook groups where people can rent, buy or sell profiles in the past three years.

This means the person actually making the food delivery may have rented a riders’ app profile from another worker and so didn’t have to register, so will likely have avoided the strict vetting process official riders undergo.

Hamilton is backing amendments to the Employment Rights Bill in the Lords to close the substitution loophole in app-based work, including by prohibiting gig economy firms, such as food delivery and courier firms, from using it unless they can demonstrate the right is real and operational.

The Labour MP told The i Paper: “Delivery companies are exploiting a loophole which doesn’t require work-related health and safety regulations. Currently, these companies claim the people riding for them are not ‘workers’.

“That needs to change to ensure all delivery company riders are protected like everybody else.”

Reminder of safety obligations

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Uber Eats maintains that its pick-up and arrival times for riders are realistic, and that they have to complete a road safety module before their account is activated.

The company also reminds riders of safety obligations, including what constitutes a legal e-bike, while monitoring accounts with patterns of deliveries that suggest a powerful, illegal vehicle is being used to make them.

An Uber Eats spokeswoman said: “Uber Eats offers a flexible way for thousands of couriers to earn, and we know that the vast majority are satisfied with their experience.

“The safety of our customers, couriers and the general public is a top priority.

“Couriers must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including the Highway Code, and we work closely with a range of partners to provide ongoing safety education and access to discounted legal e-bikes and e-mopeds.”

A Deliveroo spokeswoman said: “We regularly issue safety guidance to riders and work with local councils, police and fire services across the country to engage riders on e-bike and road safety.

“Following the Highway Code and using a legal, roadworthy vehicle are clear conditions of a rider’s service agreement with us. If a rider is found to be in breach of the law and their obligations, we will stop working with them.”

A Government spokesperson said: “This Government is on the side of working people, so we find reports that businesses are encouraging or helping their workers or contractors to use illegal or unsafe modes of transport entirely unacceptable.

“That’s why we’re taking action through our Plan for Change by updating product safety laws to clarify online retailers’ responsibilities and bringing forward new police powers to tackle the use of illegal vehicles.”

Just Eat was contacted for comment.

2025-06-19T05:28:03Z