E-bike delivery riders: safety on the road and with batteries
How delivery riders can avoid crashes, ride legally and charge batteries safely
E-bikes have changed food and package delivery in many cities. They are fast, cheap to run and easy to park. But delivery riders spend long hours in traffic, often at night and in bad weather, under pressure to hurry. And the large lithium ion batteries that power e-bikes can catch fire if they are damaged, cheaply made or charged the wrong way.
This guide covers road safety, legal basics and battery safety for anyone who delivers by e-bike.
The numbers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tracks injuries from micromobility devices. Its 2026 report estimated 59,200 emergency room visits for e-bike injuries in 2024, up from 37,600 in 2023 and 26,800 in 2022 [1]. From 2017 to 2024, 310 e-bike deaths were reported to the agency, and the yearly count kept rising [1].
Collisions with moving or parked motor vehicles caused about 55 percent of those e-bike deaths, 170 of 310 [1].
Know your e-bike class
Most states sort e-bikes into three classes:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Common e-bike classes
| Class | How the motor works | Top assisted speed |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Helps only while you pedal | 20 mph |
| Class 2 | Has a throttle, so it can move without pedaling | 20 mph |
| Class 3 | Helps only while you pedal | 28 mph |
Source: Common state e-bike classification system. Rules on where each class may ride, age limits and helmets vary by state and city.
Bikes that go faster than these limits, or have large throttles, may be classed as mopeds or motorcycles. Those can require registration, a license and insurance. Check your state and city rules.
Road safety for delivery riders
- Wear a helmet every ride. Many states require them for Class 3 riders or young riders.
- Be seen. Use a bright white front light and red rear light, even in daytime. Add reflective clothing or vest.
- Ride with traffic, on the right side, never against it.
- Follow signals and signs. Running lights is a leading cause of serious crashes.
- Watch for opening car doors. Ride outside the door zone of parked cars.
- Use bike lanes where available, and know local rules about sidewalks.
- Slow down near people walking. E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes.
- Watch for turning trucks and buses. Stay out of their blind spots and never pass on the right at intersections.
- Brake early. A loaded delivery bag changes how the bike handles and stops.
- Keep the phone mounted and do not read orders while riding.
Battery and charging safety
CPSC found that most e-bike fires started while the battery was charging or just after [1]. Lithium ion battery fires spread fast and give off toxic smoke.
- Buy certified. Look for an e-bike certified to UL 2849 and a battery certified to UL 2271.
- Use the charger made for your battery. Do not mix brands.
- Charge on a hard surface, away from beds, couches and anything that burns.
- Never block your way out. Do not charge or store e-bikes in hallways or by the only door.
- Do not charge overnight or while away, if you can avoid it.
- Stop using damaged batteries. Signs include swelling, leaking, strange smells, extra heat or a dent from a crash.
- Never buy used or rebuilt batteries from unknown sellers.
- Install smoke alarms where you charge and store e-bikes.
Warning: If a battery smokes, hisses, pops or catches fire, get everyone out, close the door behind you and call 911. Do not try to put out a lithium ion battery fire with water from a cup or a small extinguisher.
Proof that standards help
New York City saw 18 deaths from lithium ion battery fires in 2023 [2]. That year, the city passed a law requiring e-bikes and batteries sold, leased or rented there to be certified to UL safety standards [2]. By September 30, 2024, the city had recorded 3 deaths from these fires [2]. Other factors played a role too, but the drop was striking.
For delivery platforms and restaurants
- Promote certified bikes and batteries, and battery swap or trade in programs
- Avoid delivery time pressure that rewards rushing
- Offer safe charging spots and rest areas
- Share safety training in the app
Checklist: daily e-bike delivery check
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- Helmet on and lights working, front and rear
- Tires inflated and brakes working
- Battery cool, undamaged and certified
- Phone mounted, with route set before riding
- Reflective clothing for night and rain
- Charging spot clear of exits and things that burn
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for my delivery e-bike?
In many states, Class 1 to 3 e-bikes do not need a license or registration. Faster bikes may count as mopeds. Check your state and city rules.
Is it safe to ride on the sidewalk?
Many cities ban e-bikes on sidewalks. Even where allowed, slow to walking speed near people.
What should I do after a crash with a car?
Get to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, take photos, exchange information and report the crash to the police and your app.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Micromobility Products Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017 to 2024.” April 2026. cpsc.gov/…/Micromobility_Products-Rela…
- 2UL Standards and Engagement. “Deaths from e-bike fires declining in New York City after UL standards written into law.” October 3, 2024. ulse.org/…/deaths-e-bike-fires-declini…
This article reflects the safety priorities of bicycle and micromobility safety and fire prevention. It is general education, not legal advice. Check your state and city rules for e-bikes. Reviewed November 2026.
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