Deliveroo is introducing speed-monitoring technology to identify riders who may be using illegally modified e-bikes or a different vehicle from the one registered on their account. The measure forms part of the company’s new Ride Safe campaign in the UK.
The platform says it will look for sustained speeds that a bicycle or legally compliant e-bike could not reasonably achieve. Riders flagged by the system may be contacted about their vehicle, while repeated violations or knowingly incorrect registrations could lead to removal from the platform.
Alongside the monitoring programme, Deliveroo is calling on the UK government to ban the sale of unsafe conversion kits to the general public. Such kits can allow motors to provide assistance above the legal 15.5 mph (25 km/h) limit, operate without pedalling or pair batteries with unsuitable electrical components. The campaign has received support from Transport for London, the London Fire Brigade, the GMB union and other organisations.
The initiative is significant beyond the delivery sector. It moves enforcement from occasional roadside checks toward platform-level monitoring, where journey data can be compared with the vehicle declared by a rider. However, its effectiveness will depend on how accurately the system distinguishes illegal assistance from downhill riding, strong cyclists and legitimate faster vehicles.
Source: Cycling Electric