What’s it Like to be A Deliveroo Rider? [My 5-Year Experience]

We’ve all seen the oversized blue-grey cubes on the backs of hard-cycling delivery riders whizzing around our city streets, but what’s it like to be a Deliveroo rider? What does it mean for those who sport the big box, and how feasible really is Deliveroo for making a living?

Five years on the job has shown me the undulating streets of Brighton, and the diverse urban landscapes of Bristol. Covering so many miles in the city, it’s hard not to know where to get a bite to eat. The chance to find the far-flung, hidden gems of the city is always on the cards.

If you see yourself becoming a rider, you’ll do well to develop a tolerance for bad weather. You might just end up gaining the conditioning to be a long-distance cyclist along the way too.

PICTURED: Bicycle Anatomy 101 Mug (Limited Edition)

How to become a Deliveroo Driver?

It’s hard to find a job that’s easier to get than a Deliveroo driver. My application was speedily done five years ago with no trouble, and it has only become easier to gain the Deliveroo badge with a new contactless online system.

A few simple questions to gather relevant personal information are followed by a five-part video training session, and identity checks. It takes about thirty minutes to complete the application.

Once your account is verified by Deliveroo it’s just a matter of waiting for your gear to be delivered, and getting on the road!

Does Deliveroo provide bikes?

Though Deliveroo provides its patented range of safety gear and waterproofs for the elements, it does not provide its employees with bicycles. It’s essential to have your own wheels for the job, and it helps if these are ones that can take some miles (and whatever the weather throws your way!).

Consistent riding in wet and cold conditions can be wearing for our beloved steeds. It is possible to subsidise some payments, like bike maintenance and equipment (including waterproofs), when completing your tax return.

A note on safety…

Cycling around the city isn’t always easy, especially in harrowing conditions in populated areas. As beautiful as bikes are, they leave their riders as some of the most vulnerable road users.

I would urge caution and vigilance, and to have fun with care. We all take our own responsibility when riding, but my advice would be a helmet and lights at a minimum.

How much can you make with Deliveroo on a bike?

With an entirely flexible and personalised schedule, Deliveroo can work for almost anyone who’s looking to push their riding hours, and make some extra cash.

Alternatively, working six nights a week to make a subsistence living is also an option, but this isn’t easy. It means never shying from the elements and certainly the potential for regular jelly-legs.

Each delivery grants the rider about four pounds, with an average of 2-3 deliveries an hour – provided the orders are there! As zero-hour contractors, riders are susceptible to the rises and falls of the market. Therefore work isn’t always guaranteed, and tends to vary between cities.

Deliveroo Cyclist Pay in the UK

Deliveroo riders get paid per delivery, although fees vary per order, and based on the distance covered. The company pays between £2.90 and £6 per delivery in the UK. According to a study by Indeed, the average pay for a Deliveroo rider in the UK is £11.21 per hour.

Example of My Pay as a Deliveroo Rider

This table provides a schedule of what a typical week might look like for someone who’s looking to earn a living with Deliveroo.

Basic pay is modestly estimated at about £10p/h. However, fee boosts give more proactive riders the opportunity to make more at peak times, especially those who aren’t rain-shy! This can be a great way to maximise pay if you’re feeling brave, or at a loss of things to do on the weekend.

A personal favourite is the option to get paid on the app at any time. With just a few swift taps the payment is confirmed, and your money enters your account the following day.

Should you tip your rider?

Yes, is the simple answer. If its within your means to tip riders, then it’s sure to be appreciated.

Whether it’s a rider or a driver, the person bringing that food to your door is working hard at unsociable hours, for relatively low pay.

Please be sure to make special consideration for that soggy cyclist, who’s just struggled up a gruelling gradient and is panting at your door handing you a burger and chips. They might deserve a little pat on the back, and a couple of quid towards a hot dinner when they get home.