You can change your vehicle type in the Uber Driver app, but the process depends on whether you already have an active bicycle account or are adding e-bike as a new option
If you drive for Uber on a bicycle and want to switch to an e-bike, you make the change directly in your driver app under vehicle settings. Uber treats bicycles and e-bikes as separate vehicle categories, so the steps differ slightly depending on whether you're replacing your bicycle entirely or running both options at once. The change takes effect when ready in most cases, though Uber may take 24 to 48 hours to update your profile on the rider-facing side.
E-bikes may have access to for Uber Eats deliveries in most cities, and some markets offer slightly higher per-delivery rates for e-bike drivers compared to bicycle drivers. Before you make the switch, check whether your city's Uber market supports e-bike orders — not all do yet. You'll also need to confirm that your specific e-bike model meets Uber's requirements, which vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Uber Driver app, go to Account settings, and select your vehicle information to change or add an e-bike as your active vehicle type.
- Uber requires e-bike drivers to provide proof of vehicle ownership or a purchase receipt, which you upload during the vehicle change process.
- E-bikes must have working pedals and meet local electric bicycle regulations in your area — Uber's requirements depend on your city's laws.
- The vehicle type change shows to riders within 24 to 48 hours, but you can start accepting deliveries as an e-bike driver when ready after you complete the app update.
- Some cities pay e-bike drivers at a different rate than bicycle drivers, so check your local Uber Eats rates before switching.
Steps to change your vehicle in the Uber Driver app
Open the Uber Driver app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Account, then scroll down and tap Vehicle Information or Vehicle Details — the exact label varies by app version.
You'll see your current vehicle listed. Tap Edit or Change Vehicle next to the bicycle entry. A menu will appear asking you to select a vehicle type. Choose E-Bike from the list. If e-bike is not showing as an option, your city's Uber market may not support e-bike deliveries yet — contact Uber support through the app to confirm.
After you select e-bike, the app will ask you to upload a photo or document proving you own the vehicle. This is typically a purchase receipt, invoice, or a photo of the bike's serial number. Take a clear photo of whichever document you have and upload it through the app. Blurry or partially cut-off images may be rejected, so make sure the text is readable.
Once you've uploaded your proof of ownership, tap Submit or Confirm. You'll see a confirmation message. Your profile updates in the driver app when ready, but it may take 24 to 48 hours for riders to see that you're now an e-bike driver. You can start accepting e-bike deliveries right away.
What Uber needs to verify your e-bike
Uber requires proof that you own the e-bike you're registering. A purchase receipt from a bike shop, an Amazon or retail order confirmation, or an invoice from the manufacturer all work. If you bought the bike used and don't have a receipt, a photo of the bike's serial number (usually on the frame near the pedals or seat tube) plus a written statement that you own it may be accepted — ask Uber support whether your situation qualifies before you upload.
You'll also need to confirm that your e-bike meets your local regulations. In most U.S. cities, e-bikes are classified as bicycles if they have working pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and a top assisted speed of 20 mph or less. Some cities have different rules, and a few restrict e-bikes from certain delivery zones. Check your city or county's transportation department website or ask Uber support whether your e-bike model is legal for delivery work in your area.
Uber may ask for the motor wattage and top speed of your e-bike during the verification process. You can find this information on the bike's specification sheet, the manufacturer's website, or the motor's label on the frame. Have this ready before you start the vehicle change process.
Switching from bicycle to e-bike versus adding e-bike as a second option
If you want to stop taking bicycle deliveries and use only your e-bike, you replace your bicycle vehicle type with the e-bike type in the steps above. Your bicycle will no longer appear in your driver profile, and you'll only receive e-bike delivery requests going forward.
If you want to keep your bicycle active and add e-bike as a second option, you'll need to contact Uber support through the app. Not all markets allow drivers to run multiple vehicle types simultaneously, so support will tell you whether this is possible in your city. If it is, they can add the e-bike to your account without removing the bicycle. You can then toggle between vehicle types in your driver app before you go online.
Running both options is useful if you want flexibility — you can use your bicycle on days when you don't have the e-bike charged, or switch based on weather or distance. However, most drivers find it simpler to commit to one vehicle type.
How e-bike rates compare to bicycle rates
Uber Eats pays per delivery, and the per-delivery rate varies by city and distance. In some markets, e-bike drivers earn slightly more per delivery than bicycle drivers because e-bikes can cover longer distances faster. In other cities, the rates are identical. You can see your local rates in the Uber Driver app under Earnings — the app shows you the per-delivery breakdown before you accept each order.
The difference, when it exists, is usually small — often 10 to 20 cents more per delivery for an e-bike. Over a full week of deliveries, this can add up, but it's not a dramatic increase. The real advantage of an e-bike is that you can accept longer-distance deliveries that would be impractical on a regular bicycle, which means more orders per hour and higher total earnings.
Check the Uber Driver app in your city to see the current rates before you switch. Rates change periodically and vary widely by location, so what applies in one city may not explore in another.
Timeline for the vehicle change to take effect
Your driver app updates when ready after you submit your e-bike information. You can start accepting e-bike deliveries right away, even if Uber is still verifying your ownership documents in the background.
Riders see your updated vehicle type within 24 to 48 hours. During this window, some riders may still see you as a bicycle driver, while others see you as an e-bike driver. This doesn't affect your ability to accept orders — it's just a display delay on the rider side.
If Uber needs more information about your e-bike or your ownership proof, you'll receive a notification in the app asking you to provide additional documents. This typically happens within 24 hours of your submission. If you don't hear anything within 48 hours, your vehicle change has been approved.
Troubleshooting common issues when changing vehicles
If the e-bike option doesn't appear in your vehicle type menu, your city's Uber market may not support e-bike deliveries yet. Uber is expanding e-bike availability gradually, so it may become available in your area later. Contact Uber support through the app and ask whether e-bike deliveries are coming to your city. Support can also tell you whether you're in a zone where e-bikes are restricted.
If your ownership proof is rejected, the image was likely too blurry, cut off, or didn't show enough detail. Take a new photo in good lighting, make sure all text is readable, and upload it again. If you're using a serial number photo, make sure the entire serial number is visible. If you're still having trouble, contact Uber support and ask what specific information they need.
If you've submitted your e-bike information but don't see it reflected in your app after 48 hours, refresh the app by closing it completely and reopening it. If it still doesn't show, contact Uber support. Occasionally the app cache needs to be cleared, and support can walk you through that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an e-bike that's still being paid off or financed?
Yes, you can use a financed or leased e-bike. Uber asks for proof of ownership, which a purchase receipt or financing agreement satisfies. If you're leasing the bike, bring the lease agreement. The key is showing that you have the right to use the vehicle for delivery work.
What happens to my bicycle account if I switch to e-bike?
Your bicycle vehicle type is replaced by the e-bike type, so you'll stop receiving bicycle delivery requests. If you want to keep both options active, contact Uber support to ask whether your city allows multiple vehicle types. If it does, they can add e-bike without removing your bicycle.
Do I need a special license or permit to deliver with an e-bike?
No. E-bikes are treated as bicycles under most U.S. local laws, so you don't need a driver's license or vehicle registration. However, some cities require e-bike riders to wear helmets or follow specific traffic rules. Check your local regulations, but Uber doesn't require any special licensing beyond what you already have as a bicycle driver.
How long does Uber take to verify my e-bike ownership?
Verification usually happens within 24 hours, though it can take up to 48 hours. You can start accepting deliveries when ready after you submit your documents — you don't have to wait for verification to complete. If Uber needs more information, they'll send you a notification in the app.
Can I switch back to a regular bicycle if I change to e-bike?
Yes. Go back to Vehicle Information in the app, tap Edit, and select Bicycle from the vehicle type menu. You'll need to upload proof of ownership for the bicycle (a receipt or serial number photo). The switch takes effect when ready, and riders see the change within 24 to 48 hours.