Top 10 Equipment Essentials Every Delivery Rider Needs (2026 Guide)

If you're thinking about becoming a delivery rider, there's a bit more to it than simply jumping on your bike and heading out for your first order.

A helmet and some decent riding gear are the obvious essentials, but you’ll also need to think about insurance, keeping your phone charged, protecting your bike and making sure your deliveries arrive as they left.

Whether you're completely new to delivery work or you've already completed a few shifts, having the right delivery rider equipment can make your time on the road safer, more comfortable and a lot less stressful, so here's what I'd want in my setup.

Equipment Essential	Priority	Typical Cost	Where to Buy
Delivery Rider Insurance	Essential	Quote Dependent	Specialist insurance provider, such as Lexham Insurance
Helmet	Essential	£60-£300+	Motorcycle dealers and specialist retailers
Protective Riding Equipment	Essential	£150-£600+	Motorcycle clothing retailers and dealers
Delivery Bag	Essential	£15-£100+	Delivery platforms and courier equipment retailers
Phone Mount	Essential	£15-£60+	Motorcycle accessory retailers
Waterproof Clothing	Recommended	£40-£200+	Motorcycle clothing retailers
Charger or Power Bank	Recommended	£15-£60	Motorcycle accessory and electronics retailers
Security Lock	Recommended	£20-£150+	Motorcycle security retailers
Emergency Kit	Recommended	£10-£50	Motorcycle retailers and outdoor/accessory shops

These prices are only a rough guide, and there's certainly no shortage of premium equipment available if you want to spend more.

Still, if you're starting on a budget, I'd concentrate on getting your insurance, helmet, protective gear, delivery bag and security sorted first before adding the more convenient extras.

Delivery riders can spend several hours, or sometimes even more, on the road every day, often dealing with heavy traffic, unfamiliar roads and changing conditions, so while good equipment can't prevent an accident, decent protective gear can provide valuable protection if something does go wrong.

There's also more to being properly prepared than the equipment you wear, as using your motorcycle for paid delivery work means making sure you have the appropriate insurance for that use rather than assuming your standard motorcycle policy will cover you.

Something like waterproof trousers or heated grips might not feel particularly important when you're setting off on a warm afternoon, but after a few hours riding through cold rain you'll probably think very differently.

Comfort can have a real impact on how long you’re happy to stay out working, so I’d build it into your delivery rider setup from the start.

When you're using your motorcycle for work several days a week, your equipment is going to get considerably more use than it would on the occasional weekend ride, so while you don't necessarily need the most expensive gear available, buying decent-quality equipment designed for regular motorcycle use can be a worthwhile investment.

Before getting onto helmets, bags and phone mounts, there's one thing I'd get sorted first, which is your insurance, because if you're being paid to deliver food, parcels or other goods, you'll need Hire & Reward cover rather than standard motorcycle or commuting insurance.

Delivery Rider Insurance is specialist cover for riders using motorcycles, scooters and mopeds for delivery work, with Lexham's Delivery Rider Insurance providing specialist Hire & Reward insurance for eligible food, parcel and courier riders, although you should always check the policy details to make sure the cover is appropriate for your circumstances.

The last thing you want is to have an incident while working and then discover that your insurance doesn't cover the way you were using your bike, which is why it's much better to check your cover before accepting your first delivery rather than finding out afterwards.

When choosing your policy, make sure it covers your type of delivery work and motorcycle, while also checking any security requirements or other conditions that apply, because getting your insurance right should be the first item on your delivery rider checklist.

Unlike some of the equipment further down this list, a motorcycle helmet isn't optional, as UK law requires motorcycle and moped riders to wear an approved helmet when riding on the road.

If you're buying a new helmet, ECE 22.06 is the newer standard to look for, while the SHARP testing scheme can also help you compare the safety performance of different approved helmets. If you're shopping around, helmets such as the HJC C10, LS2 Stream II and MT Stinger 2 give you a few options across different price points.

As you'll potentially be wearing your helmet for several hours at a time, I'd pay just as much attention to fit, ventilation and visibility as I would to its safety rating or how it looks, because an uncomfortable helmet can quickly become a nuisance during a long delivery shift, especially if you wear glasses like me.

There's plenty of choice, from full-face and modular helmets to open-face designs, but whichever style you choose, I'd put fit and protection ahead of appearance, particularly when you're riding for work, and don’t forget that open-face helmets (as the name suggests) leave your face and chin exposed.

An excellent middle ground is a dual-homologated flip-front or modular helmet, as you can walk into a restaurant, ride around or make deliveries with your face exposed, but if you want the additional protection, you can flip it down and make use of the similar benefits of a full-face, although they do sometimes come with a weight disadvantage.

A good motorcycle jacket is one of the first pieces of riding gear I'd invest in, ideally with abrasion-resistant materials, decent armour and enough comfort for longer shifts. The RST Alpha 5 CE Textile Jacket, for example, offers practical protection for everyday riding, while the Richa Infinity Prime Laminated Jacket is a stronger pick if you want more weather protection.

When comparing motorcycle jackets, you'll also likely come across A, AA and AAA CE ratings, which indicate different levels of protection, so rather than automatically choosing the highest rating, consider the type of riding you're doing and what you'll be comfortable wearing regularly.

A or AA-rated clothing can be a sensible choice for many delivery riders, but it's also worth checking the armour included with the jacket, as the garment rating and armour rating are separate. Our guide to CE labels explains these ratings in more detail.

Your hands do a lot of the work when you're riding, and cold, wet weather can make that much harder, so I’d put a decent pair of motorcycle gloves high on the list. They need to fit securely without making the controls feel awkward.

For warmer weather, something lighter such as the Weise Street Fight Glove could be a great option, while the Richa Summit Evo is designed with colder riding in mind. If you're delivering throughout winter, a more substantial waterproof glove such as the Richa Cold Protect Gore-Tex is another option to consider.

Motorcycle boots can provide greater protection and ankle support than everyday trainers, while there are plenty of options that remain comfortable enough for walking between deliveries.

The Alpinestars J-6 Waterproof Shoes offer a more casual style and are one I have great personal experience with, while the Oxford Tracker 2.0 Textile Boots provide a more traditional motorcycle boot option without a premium price tag.

Armoured riding jeans or motorcycle trousers are another worthwhile investment, particularly if you're spending most of your working day on the bike and want additional protection beyond your jacket and gloves.

A helmet is the main legally required item, but that doesn't mean the rest of your gear isn't important, as specialist motorcycle clothing can provide additional protection and is something I'd strongly recommend if you're going to spend several hours a day riding.

Before buying a delivery bag, it’s worth checking what your chosen platform provides, as some offer branded insulated bags to approved riders. You may also find second-hand options from riders who are upgrading their kit or no longer doing delivery work.

 

If you're delivering food, you'll obviously want it arriving with the customer in good condition, which is where a decent insulated delivery bag comes in by helping maintain temperature while also protecting orders during the journey.

Don't automatically buy the biggest bag you can find, as something large enough for the orders you're likely to carry but still easy to secure and transport will generally be much more practical.

I'd look for a bag that's insulated, waterproof or highly water-resistant, and easy to wipe clean, because after a few deliveries and the inevitable spill, you'll be glad you've chosen something practical rather than something that looks good but is difficult to maintain.

Requirements can vary between platforms, so check the latest guidance before buying, particularly if you're specifically looking at Uber Eats rider equipment or Deliveroo rider equipment rather than general food delivery rider equipment.

Your phone is going to become one of the most important pieces of equipment you own because it's your navigation system, delivery app and communication device, so keeping it secure and charged throughout your shift is essential.

A secure phone mount allows you to see your navigation, although you should always set your route before moving and pull over somewhere safe if you need to interact with the device.

Look for a mount that securely attaches to your handlebars and holds your phone firmly, with options such as Quad Lock, RAM Mounts, and Ultimate Addons offering motorcycle-specific mounting systems, while making sure whichever option you choose is compatible with both your motorcycle and phone.

If you're regularly riding in wet weather, extra waterproof protection for your phone is a sensible addition, as there’s not much point in having a brilliant phone mount if your phone gives up halfway through your shift after getting soaked.

Ah, British weather; you can leave home in glorious sunshine and be riding through torrential rain half an hour later, so waterproof equipment is something I'd definitely keep with you if you're planning to make delivery riding a regular job.

A waterproof jacket and trousers can be worn over your existing riding gear and quickly become two of the most useful pieces of equipment you own, particularly during longer shifts.

The Oxford Rainseal Over Jacket and Rainseal Over Trousers are examples of simple throw-over waterproofs that can be packed away when they're not needed, while waterproof textile gear such as the Richa Infinity Prime provides weather protection as part of the main riding jacket.

Heated grips aren't essential, but if you're planning to deliver throughout winter, they can make those cold morning and evening shifts far more bearable. I’ve personally had great experience with Oxford’s range of heated grips, but there are plenty of other options on the market nowadays, so have a shop around and see what works best for you.

Winter brings colder temperatures, wet roads and shorter daylight hours, so it's worth checking the forecast before every shift and making sure your clothing and motorcycle are ready for the conditions.

Keep your lights clean and consider reflective elements on your clothing or equipment, particularly when riding in heavy rain, fog or darkness.

They certainly can, as GPS, mobile data and a bright screen can make a serious dent in your phone battery over several hours.

A motorcycle USB charger can keep your phone topped up while you're riding, although you should make sure any charger is right for your bike and installed correctly.

A power bank makes a brilliant backup, particularly if your motorcycle doesn't have an onboard charging solution, and I'd keep one charged and ready to go rather than waiting until your phone is already running low.

A dead phone can mean no navigation, no delivery app and potentially a missed order, so checking your phone battery before every shift is a simple habit I’d get into early.

A disc lock is relatively small and easy to carry, making it useful when you're leaving your bike to collect an order and don't want to carry a bulky security setup around with you. The Oxford Monster Disc Lock provides a substantial level of physical security in a relatively compact package, while its portability makes this type of lock particularly practical for delivery riders.

A decent chain can provide another layer of security, particularly where you can secure your bike to a fixed object, although you'll need to consider how you're going to carry it during deliveries.

The ABUS Granit Extreme XPlus 59 combines a hardened steel chain with a matching lock and is designed for securing motorcycles to fixed objects. Heavier chains can provide greater protection, but they can also be impractical to carry around during a delivery shift.

A GPS tracker may also be useful, particularly if you've invested heavily in your motorcycle or scooter, although it should complement rather than replace physical security.

There are several different systems available, from compact battery-powered trackers to professionally installed, monitored systems. Lexham's guide to insurance-approved motorcycle trackers covers options including Datatool Quantum, Monimoto 9, Datatool Stealth S5, Oxford Vantage and BikeTrac, with different features, installation requirements and ongoing subscription costs.

It's important to check your own insurance requirements before choosing a tracker, as the systems recognised by insurers can vary. A tracker can also be particularly useful for delivery riders who may leave their motorcycle unattended regularly throughout a working day.

This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook during a busy shift. Turn the bike off, take the keys and lock it whenever you leave it, even if you're only going to be away for a few minutes.

A Bluetooth intercom can make navigation easier by allowing you to hear instructions without repeatedly looking at your phone, which can be particularly useful when you're working in an unfamiliar area.

Used properly, an intercom can reduce the need to look at your phone, but it shouldn't become another source of distraction, so keep your attention on the road and pull over somewhere safe whenever you need to deal with something more involved.

A headset can make communication easier while you're working, although you should always remain aware of surrounding traffic and avoid allowing conversations to distract you from riding.

I'd put a Bluetooth headset firmly in the nice-to-have category, as you can absolutely complete deliveries without one, although regular riders may find voice navigation makes life considerably easier.

A small first aid kit doesn't take up much room and can be useful for dealing with minor cuts and scrapes, particularly when you're working away from home.

A puncture repair kit is another handy thing to carry, particularly if you're working several miles from home, although make sure you know how to use it before you actually need it!

Keep your insurance and breakdown details easily accessible and make sure your phone is charged before every shift, as having the right information available can save plenty of hassle if something unexpected happens.

A small torch, power bank, charging cable and basic emergency supplies can all be useful without filling your delivery bag with unnecessary equipment.

The main delivery rider essentials are Delivery Rider Insurance, an approved helmet, protective riding gear, an insulated delivery bag, a phone mount, a charging cable and motorcycle security, with items such as a Bluetooth headset and GPS tracker being useful additions rather than absolute necessities.

Generally, yes, as riders being paid to deliver food or goods will usually need Hire & Reward insurance rather than standard motorcycle insurance, so it's important to check your cover before starting work.

Look for an insulated, waterproof and easy-to-clean bag that's large enough for your typical orders and right for the platform you're working with, rather than simply choosing the largest option available.

It isn't legally required, but it's one of the most useful pieces of delivery rider equipment you can buy because it keeps your navigation visible, meaning you won't be guessing where to go.

An approved motorcycle helmet is legally required, while other protective motorcycle clothing isn't required by law but is strongly recommended for additional protection.

You can put together a basic setup for a few hundred pounds, although the total can increase considerably if you choose premium riding gear, security equipment and accessories, with insurance being an additional cost that depends on your circumstances.

I'd put a good phone mount, insulated delivery bag, waterproof clothing and reliable charging solution near the top of the list, as these are the things you're likely to appreciate most once you're several hours into a shift.

Absolutely, as delivery riders regularly leave their motorcycles unattended while collecting orders. A good lock should be part of your basic setup, and additional security such as a chain or tracker can provide further protection.

Getting the right delivery rider equipment is only part of being prepared for life on two wheels, so once you've got your essential kit sorted, it's worth taking a look at some of our other guides and insurance options to help you stay protected, ride safely and keep your motorcycle in good condition.

If you're working as a delivery rider, our Delivery Rider Insurance is designed around delivery work. In addition to this, we also offer Breakdown Cover, which can be useful if you need assistance after a breakdown while you're out on the road.

When it comes to motorcycle security, our guides cover topics such as choosing motorcycle locks and understanding the different ways you can protect your bike, including our Motorcycle Security Guide and guide to Insurance Approved Motorcycle Locks. These can be particularly useful for delivery riders, who may regularly need to leave their bike unattended while collecting or dropping off orders.

If you're new to riding, our Motorcycle Training Guide covers the different routes you can take to get on two wheels, while our How to Ride a Motorcycle guide provides practical advice on getting to grips with your bike and developing your riding skills.

And once you're spending more time on the road, keeping your bike properly maintained becomes increasingly important, so our DIY Motorcycle Maintenance Guide covers useful checks and maintenance tasks to help you keep your motorcycle in good working order.

Whether you're just starting out or already working regular delivery shifts, there's plenty more to explore across Lexham, from insurance and guides on motorcycle security to riding skills and keeping your bike properly maintained.

And there we have it, your delivery rider equipment checklist, covering everything from the insurance and protective gear you should sort out first to the smaller extras that can make a long shift that bit more manageable.

The main thing is to be properly equipped, properly insured and ready for whatever the road and the British weather decide to throw at you. If delivery work is something you're getting into, be sure to get your Delivery Rider Insurance quote with Lexham today.

Ride safe!