Here in Toronto the regional commuter train service Go Transit will be inspecting and certifying any E bikes that riders attempt to bring onto the trains at the suburban stations. Each bike will be inspected to be sure the battery is of an approved type, and then a tamper proof seal with be attached to the bike. Go Transit trains see dozens of E bike couriers riding into the downtown core every day, to work as food delivery couriers for Skip The Dishes, Uber Food, or some other delivery service. They are everywhere in the city. Go Transit has also created dedicated "E bikes only train cars " on their rail system which have no seats inside so the bike riders can sqeeeze in with their bikes.
A young person can make a relatively good income as a food delivery courier, with an investment of under $2000, and a smart phone connected to one of the delivery service applications. The bikes can be parked a lot easier than a car, while the rider is picking up or dropping off the food delivery. Low over head, and lots of work every day or night. Of course you must be willing to work in any type of weather conditions, and be fast on the bike. With battery assist, the E bikes can get up to 30 miles an hour.
Most couriers work in a 3 mile square area to reduce travel times to the pickup and delivery location. They have insulated food boxes mounted on the rear of the bikes. Some only do beer and liquor deliveries, as the tips are better. The customer pays in advance using their computer, so no cash is exchanged at the delivery point. The courier gets paid by their employer company at the end of their shift, by electronic transfer into their business bank account. They pay income taxes, and file a business tax return to Revenue Canada each fiscal year. They can deduct the costs of running their little business operation, such as insurance on the E bike, repairs, accounting services, banking fees and buying work clothing.
One of the up sides of the E bike couriers is the reduction of vehicle traffic in the downtown core during rush hours. The large take out food companies, that used to have fleets of small delivery cars, have now all switched to bike couriers, instead. Just one company Swiss Chalet Chicken has removed over 200 cars from their delivery fleet in the Toronto area, and replaced them with no pollution, no fuel, E bikes. Thats a win for cleaner air, I think. JimB.
