Currently, we are in the age of online deliveries. If we want something, we search for it, find it, and press the confirm payment button. Whether it be ordering things we can wear or eat, there is no wonder that the demand for delivery riders has soared over the past few years.

Over recent years, riders have started to opt for delivering on scooters thanks to them being easier to park, more agile on the roads as well as being far easier to hop off in a hurry.

Another great thing about using a scooter for delivery riding is the cheaper running and maintenance costs, so without further ado - join us as we run down some of our top tips on how to choose the best scooter for your delivery work…

While comfort is an essential factor when buying a scooter full stop, it matters even more when your bike is pretty much your work desk. Whether it’s food or parcels, it doesn’t matter which delivery service you are offering, you’ll be spending a lot of time in that saddle, so you’ll want to choose carefully.

Key characteristics to keep an eye out for are a nice, comfortable seat, relaxed riding position, high build quality, under-seat storage (we’ll expand on this a little later), and decent suspension.

Storage space for a delivery scooter or motorcycle will generally come in the form of a large cargo box mounted on the rear rack. This will house your deliveries and help to keep them at the right temperature but, will generally come as an extra or from the company you’ll be working for.

 However, with scooters especially, there is also the chance of having more storage for your own personal items, or perhaps some essential delivery rider accessories. For example, most scooters will have some form of under-seat storage, varying from just enough room for a wallet and phone to a full-face helmet.

Though storage options aren’t purely restricted to this, some models will have glove boxes, and side storage compartments available, but this will all depend on your own personal preference.

When it comes to choosing the perfect scoot, you will need to take into account both fuel economy as well as tank size. Most city scooters tend not to have the largest fuel tanks or battery capacity meaning you may find yourself refilling more frequently, as if it is not too economical to run could get costly too.

Whilst this tip caters more towards electric-fueled scooters, it is still worth considering in a world looking to switch to fully electric.

Typically electric scooters will have a smaller range than your petrol-fuelled alternatives which may work perfectly for you provided you intend to stay within the city and take shorter, slower commutes. However, if you are planning to deliver to a much further distance, then you will find yourself needing to charge up quicker than can take hours at a time.

With electric scooters than can take two batteries, some riders will keep one battery on charge while using the other battery to power the scooter, so they swap as necessary and can remain on the go.

Whilst any size engine will work, most delivery riders tend to stick to the traditional 125cc scooters as they’re tailored and designed for city use, can be ridden on a CBT and, usually, result in a smaller insurance premium - however, at Lexham Insurance their Delivery Rider Insurance covers riders on any motorcycle, moped or scooter up to 500cc.

If you’re spending hours on your bike for your job, you will want something that is reliable and won’t wrong halfway through a shift. First things first is to look at the well-known brands you always hear about - shop around and check out articles on some of the best scooters for delivery riding as well as watch or read as many reviews as possible.

Arguably budget is one of the most important factors in choosing your ideal delivery bike. Typically as a delivery rider, you will be self-employed meaning your cash flow each month may not be the same as the last.

While it is all well and good to want the most expensive, flash scooter on the market. If you cannot afford it outright, or at minimum have enough for the deposit and sensibly priced monthly payments - then it is advised that you look at other bikes.

You will also want to consider the worst-case scenario, if your bike needed any repairs, would you be out of pocket?

So there we have it, here are my top tips on how you should choose the appropriate scooter for delivery work.

Last but not least, as we mentioned earlier if you are in need of delivery rider insurance - make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!