A motorcycle or scooter can be a great way to get around as a Just Eat courier, with its advantages like flexibility and lane filtering. However, given their high maximum speeds compared with a bicycle, and lack of protection from other motorised vehicles, you are one of the most vulnerable users on the road.
It’s therefore vital that you follow the correct safety advice to protect yourself and others.
Legal requirements
Motorcycles and scooters have slightly different licence requirements before you can ride on the road, but generally all involve CBT (compulsory basic training), a theory test, and a practical test. Details of these requirements can be found on the relevant gov.uk page here.
Like other road users, motorcyclists and moped riders are governed by the Highway Code, which outlines rules that are legally binding and advice that should be adhered to for ensuring safety on the roads. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to criminal charges and can be used as evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings.
It’s important to recognise that as a motorcycle or scooter rider, you share the responsibility with other road users to foster a safe environment on the streets. Your legal obligations start with wearing a helmet.
You must wear a helmet that is securely fastened, and complies with one of the following regulations:
- British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark
- UNECE Regulation 22.05
- a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark
Further legal requirements include:
- Obeying traffic signals; running a red light is prohibited. It is illegal to use an ASL (advanced stop line) in the UK – these are dedicated safe spaces for cyclists’ use only. You must stop at the first white line if the light is red or amber.
- Carrying a passenger is only allowed if you hold a full licence and your motorcycle is equipped with a passenger seat, and you hold the correct insurance.
- Operating any motorised vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law.
- Riding in a manner that endangers others, including reckless, dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate behaviour, is considered a serious offence.
- Ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with proper brakes, lights, and reflectors, as outlined in the pre-ride inspection.
In addition to these legal requirements, there are important safety recommendations outlined in the Highway Code:
- Wearing protective clothing is highly recommended, and can save your life in an accident
- Riding cautiously through shared spaces with pedestrians; using audible signals such as a horn or voice, and leaving ample space when overtaking
- Avoiding riding between a bus and the kerb when the bus is at a passenger stop, and being vigilant of pedestrians in the vicinity
Further safety tips for motorcyclists and moped users include:
- Riding single file and being mindful of other road users.
- Riding towards the centre of the lane on narrow roads, at junctions, or in slower-moving traffic to enhance visibility
- Maintaining a safe distance from parked vehicles to avoid collisions with opening doors.
- Exercising caution when passing larger vehicles, as they may have blind spots.
- Positioning yourself away from the kerb to enhance visibility and prevent dangerous overtaking.
- Checking surroundings carefully before manoeuvring and making eye contact with other road users to ensure awareness.
- Signalling clearly before making turns to communicate intentions to other road users.
- Being patient at junctions and waiting for safe opportunities to make turns.
While it is a commonly held view that scooters are safer than motorcycles, there are some points to be aware of as a scooter user. Firstly, you are riding a smaller bike and therefore less visible to other road users.
Scooters also have smaller wheels which affects their stability and makes them more susceptible to flipping, particularly when coming into contact with debris on the road. Take extra steps to make yourself visible, such as wearing high visibility clothing, and to stay vigilant for changing road surfaces to help keep you safe.
By following these guidelines and recommendations, motorcyclists and scooter users can contribute to safer road conditions for all users.
