Uber Eats Riders Continue To Push The Boundaries Of The Definition Of A "Bicycle"

Uber Eats Riders Continue To Push The Boundaries Of The Definition Of A "Bicycle"

MONTY BENFICA | Amusements | CONTACT

Uber Eats riders are continuing to push the definition of a bicycle in Australia's capital cities.

What began as a pushbike with a battery has evolved into a 100 kilogram machine fitted with suspension, industrial headlights and enough power to overtake a Toyota Corolla.

“They’re bicycles because they have pedals,” confirmed one rider, pointing towards two tiny plastic footrests buried somewhere beneath the battery pack.

“I haven’t used them, but they are there.”

Pedestrians say the vehicles now appear capable of reaching speeds while travelling silently along footpaths, forcing anyone leaving a shop to look both ways before entering what was considered pedestrian space.

“I stepped outside Woolworths and one came past doing about 55,” said local woman Sarah Brennan (43).

Manufacturers have responded by unveiling models featuring indicators, dual batteries, reinforced frames and a decorative pedal attached to each side for legal purposes.

Delivery platforms have denied encouraging the technological arms race, insisting riders need powerful vehicles to transport orders at an efficient pace.

Transport authorities have confirmed the vehicles remain bicycles as long as riders occasionally rotate the pedals while passing police.

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