Food delivery on a motorcycle or scooter is among the most dangerous work available in South Africa. Delivery riders are killed and seriously injured on the roads in numbers that are not reflected in how the work is advertised.
That should be said first. This page covers the requirements and then the equipment, insurance and practices that materially change a rider’s odds.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
What delivery work generally requires.
- Be 18 years or older with a valid South African ID, or the right to work in South Africa
- A valid driver’s licence for the vehicle used, or a licence for a motorcycle where one is used
- A vehicle in roadworthy condition with a valid vehicle licence
- Insurance covering commercial delivery use — a personal policy generally excludes it
- A police clearance certificate, where the platform requires it
- A smartphone meeting the platform’s specification, with data
- A bank account in your own name
- Compliance with the platform’s onboarding and background checks
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The licence must match the vehicle. A motorcycle requires a motorcycle licence of the correct code for the engine capacity, and riding on a learner’s licence has its own restrictions. Confirm the code required with your licensing authority.
Insurance is where riders are most exposed. A personal motorcycle policy generally excludes commercial delivery use, which means an accident while working is likely to be rejected. Declare the use and obtain a policy that covers it, and confirm what medical and disability cover exists.
Ask what the platform provides. Some platforms provide or arrange accident cover for riders while on a delivery. Establish exactly what it covers, when it applies, what it pays and how a claim is made — before you need it, in writing.
Ask about cover between deliveries specifically, since a policy that only applies while a delivery is active leaves a substantial part of the working day uncovered.
Establish your employment status. Whether a delivery driver is an independent contractor or an employee has been contested, and it affects rights under the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997. Where you work through a fleet owner rather than directly with a platform, get the arrangement documented.
Where you rent a motorcycle from a fleet, get the terms in writing: the weekly payment, who pays for maintenance and fuel, what happens if the bike is damaged or off the road, and who holds the insurance.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
A proper helmet is the difference between an injury and a fatality. A helmet meeting a recognised safety standard, correctly fitted and fastened, and replaced after any impact. This is not a place to save money, and a cheap or ill-fitting helmet is close to no helmet.
Wear protective clothing. A jacket with armour, gloves, proper footwear and eye protection. Road rash and hand injuries are the most common non-fatal outcomes and they are largely preventable. Heat is not a reason to ride without a jacket.
Be visible. A reflective vest, working lights at all times including daylight, and positioning that keeps you out of blind spots. Most collisions involving motorcycles happen because the other driver did not see the rider.
Maintain the motorcycle properly — tyres, brakes, chain and lights — and check them before every shift. A brake or tyre failure on a motorcycle is not a breakdown, it is an accident.
Ride for the conditions and the traffic that exists. Rain, poor road surfaces, potholes and unpredictable driving are the environment. Riding fast to complete more deliveries is how riders are killed, and no delivery fee is worth it.
Fatigue and long hours compound the risk. Long shifts to reach an earnings target reduce reaction time when reaction time is everything.
Robbery is a real risk. Riders are targeted for the motorcycle, the phone and the cash. Carry as little cash as possible, use cashless payment where available, be alert at delivery points and driveways, and never resist a robbery — the bike is replaceable.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
What is needed to register.
- Certified copy of your South African ID, or passport and a valid permit with the right to work
- A valid driver’s licence for the vehicle used
- The vehicle registration certificate and current licence disc
- An insurance schedule showing commercial delivery cover
- A police clearance certificate, where required
- Proof of residence
- Banking details in your own name
- A smartphone meeting the platform’s specification
Registration or Application Process
Register directly with the platform. Registration is free and nobody legitimate charges to activate a driver or rider account.
Before starting, do three things: get insurance that covers commercial use, buy a proper helmet and protective gear, and establish exactly what the platform’s accident cover pays and when. Those three cost money up front and they are what stand between an accident and a catastrophe.
Calculate earnings honestly — fuel, maintenance, tyres, data, insurance and any rental — against deliveries per hour at realistic rates. Delivery work is often advertised on gross earnings.
Keep records of trips, earnings and expenses. Income from this work is taxable and must be declared to SARS, and expenses actually incurred in producing it are deductible — but only with records. Registering as a provisional taxpayer may apply; confirm with SARS.
- Confirm the licence code required for the vehicle you will use
- Declare commercial delivery use to your insurer
- Ask in writing exactly what the platform’s accident cover pays and when
- Ask specifically about cover between deliveries
- Buy a proper helmet meeting a recognised standard, correctly fitted
- Wear an armoured jacket, gloves and proper footwear regardless of heat
- Use a reflective vest and keep lights on in daylight
- Check tyres, brakes, chain and lights before every shift
- Never ride fast to complete more deliveries
- Carry minimal cash and never resist a robbery
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my normal insurance cover me?
Generally no. Personal policies exclude commercial delivery use, so an accident while working is likely to be rejected. Declare the use and get a policy that covers it.
Does the platform cover accidents?
Some arrange cover while a delivery is active. Establish exactly what it covers, what it pays, when it applies and how to claim — in writing, before you need it — and ask about cover between deliveries.
What equipment matters most?
A proper helmet meeting a recognised standard, correctly fitted and replaced after any impact. Then an armoured jacket, gloves, footwear and high visibility.
What should I do in a robbery?
Do not resist. The motorcycle and the phone are replaceable. Carry minimal cash, use cashless payment where available, and be alert at delivery points and driveways.
Licence codes, insurance requirements, platform cover and employment terms are set by the licensing authorities, insurers and platforms and are revised. Confirm current requirements with each, and confirm the platform’s cover in writing before starting.