I've been helping a friend compare different e-bikes for food delivery and courier work, and after looking at dozens of models, one thing became clear: the best e-bikes for delivery riders are not always the fastest or most expensive ones.
For delivery work, range matters more than top speed. Most riders are covering 40-80 miles per day, sometimes even more during busy weekends. A bike that claims 70 miles of range on paper may only deliver 40-50 miles when carrying a delivery bag, riding in traffic, stopping frequently, and using higher assist levels.
From what I've seen, the sweet spot is usually a bike with a 500W to 750W motor and a battery around 600Wh to 900Wh. This combination gives enough power for hills while still providing practical range for a full shift.
Price-wise, most reliable delivery e-bikes fall between $1,200 and $2,500. Spending less often means smaller batteries and cheaper components that may not hold up under daily commercial use. Spending more doesn't always mean better earnings.
Another thing many new riders overlook is comfort. After 6-8 hours on the road, a comfortable saddle, upright riding position, and good suspension become more important than a few extra mph of speed.
If I were buying an e-bike strictly for delivery work today, I'd prioritize battery size, reliability, puncture-resistant tires, and cargo capacity before looking at fancy features. A bike that finishes your shift without needing a recharge is worth far more than one with a touchscreen display.
For anyone already doing deliveries, what range are you actually getting on a full shift? I'm curious how close real-world results are compared to manufacturer claims.