February 13, 2025
Ready to ditch your sedan for your food deliveries and take off with the convenience of a scooter? Not so fast. There are a few things we need to go over before you start. Firstly, do you need a licence to ride a scooter? It’s a yes-and-no question, but if you’re eager to start making food deliveries, we’ll help you answer it.
If you’re looking to rent a scooter for food deliveries in Australia, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct licence for your chosen scooter. In Queensland for example, a valid driver's licence will permit you to ride one with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc without the need for an additional motorcycle licence.
Let’s look at all the Australian states and how the scooter licensing regulations differ:
Need a motor vehicle with a bit more horsepower than 50cc? We hate to burst your bubble, but you’re going to need a motor scooter licence no matter where you live in Australia. You'll also need to familiarise yourself with the specific rules and regulations that apply to scooter riding, such as wearing an approved helmet, understanding road safety protocols, and adhering to speed limits.
If you’re an international or overseas student and you don’t yet have your driver's licence, there is still a solution. Whether you’re making food deliveries or travelling to campus for class, an electric bike offers the same convenience as a scooter without the need for any licence or registration.
Yes! As we touched on above, the only scooter that you are permitted to ride with a standard car licence is a 50cc scooter. Now, a 50cc scooter is not bad by any means. If you’re making deliveries, it’s as easy as strapping your delivery bag on your back and starting your engine. But, if you’re making long trips and planning to navigate the major roads and highways, be wary - a 50cc scooter can only travel at speeds up to 65km per hour.
If you’re working or travelling in a busy city (hint hint, city-dwellers and urban delivery drivers), this type of scooter is a convenient and effective option.
We’re afraid not. Given a 125cc scooter can travel at double the maximum power of a 50cc scooter. This means that you will be required to hold a valid motorcycle licence to ride one. If you’re an international student, this may make things difficult if you’re looking for a short-term option.
With a top speed of up to 90km per hour, a 125cc scooter requires an Australian motorbike licence in all states to ride it on public roads.
Scooters… E-Scooters… Mopeds… Aren’t they all the same thing? While they’re typically grouped together, they aren’t the same thing at all. If you’re about to start making food deliveries, it’s important to know which option to choose.
Let's break down the difference between scooters and mopeds.
A moped is a smaller vehicle that offers an accessible and economical mode of transportation. Unlike scooters, which typically have more powerful engines, mopeds are characterised by their lightweight frames and smaller engine capacity (usually under 50cc). Unlike the scooter, a moped has pedals for the driver to use, while a scooter has a flat platform for the operator to rest their feet.
Mopeds are an ideal choice for short trips to uni, cruising around town, or making food deliveries. They represent an easy-to-ride vehicle with low fuel consumption and maintenance costs. While scooters offer more speed and storage options, mopeds excel in providing a straightforward, budget-friendly ride perfect for city commutes and the stop-start of food deliveries. They can also be driven with a valid driver’s licence and don’t require any additional training or motorcycle licences. For international students visiting for a long time to study, a moped is a suitable option if you complete your Australian driver’s licence.
To learn more about the types of vehicles we offer and how much each weekly subscription costs, check out our Pricing Page.
A scooter is an upgrade to the humble moped and is especially suited for urban commutes. Scooters have a step-through chassis and platform for the rider's feet, making them easy to mount and dismount. Unlike mopeds, which often have a smaller engine (usually under 50cc) and may require pedalling to start, scooters have a more powerful engine ranging from 50cc to 150cc or more that allows for swifter acceleration and higher speeds.
Scooters usually feature automatic transmission and a more upright seating posture, prioritising comfort and ease of use in stop-and-go city traffic. Whether you're navigating through crowded streets or parking in tight spaces to race in with food pickups and drop-offs, scooters provide a practical and stylish alternative for frequent food deliveries.
Scooters will generally offer better storage options under the seat if you're regularly making food deliveries. This may come in handy if you’re taking multiple orders and you’ve maxed out the space in your delivery bag.
Learn more about our Scooter hire options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
If you’ve ever strolled down a busy city footpath, you’ve probably seen one of these zoom past. An E-scooter, or electric scooter, is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor, offering a sleek and eco-friendly mode of urban transportation. Unlike a traditional scooter or moped which relies on gasoline engines, E-scooters are battery-operated and can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet. This makes them quieter, more environmentally friendly, and often more cost-effective to operate.
Additionally, electric scooters are typically lighter and more compact, designed for short-distance travel and easy maneuverability in crowded urban areas. In contrast, mopeds and scooters, while also convenient, are heavier and built for longer distances, requiring registration and insurance in many locales. The E-scooter's simplicity and sustainability make it an ideal choice for quick commutes and city travel.
Electric scooters don’t require any form of licence to operate in Queensland, Victoria, NSW or the other states of Australia. However, riders are expected to respect and adhere to public road regulations.
When it comes to riding motorcycles and scooters, it is important to ensure you have the correct licence to operate different types of motor vehicles. Fortunately, to avoid confusion about what you can and can’t drive, whatever state you live in, the Australian driver’s car license classifications are the same.
If you’re an international student, there’s a good chance you won’t have your car license yet, but you will still be able to use an E-scooter or an E-bike to travel to university or to make food deliveries.
Learn more about our E-bike hire options in Brisbane and Gold Coast.
If you hold a valid C Class Licence, you are permitted to drive the following vehicles:
If you are riding a moped on a car licence, you are not permitted to carry a pillion passenger, but we doubt you’ll have room for one when you’re carrying your food deliveries.
If you hold an RE Class Licence, which is a learner’s motorbike licence, you are permitted to drive the following vehicles:
Once you obtain a Restricted Licence, you can drive the following:
Yes, once you have completed your pre-learner course, you will need to complete an online knowledge test, which will provide riders with the necessary skills to gain your learner rider motorcycle/scooter permit. For the first three months of your motorcycle learner permit, you are not permitted to ride unsupervised and must always be accompanied by a licenced rider.
To be eligible for a motorcycle licence, you must first hold a valid car licence for at least 12 months before applying for a motorcycle licence. However, you cannot obtain a provisional driver's licence until you are:
You must hold that car licence for 1 year before you can apply for your motorcycle learner's permit, which will add another year to your wait.
Learn more about our motorcycle hire options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
If you’re eager to hit the road and start making food deliveries, it is important that you distinguish between mopeds, scooters, and electric scooters to determine what you are permitted to drive in Queensland, Victoria, NSW, and other states and territories.
At Nibble Bikes, we have a range of mopeds and scooters available depending on your needs. Whether you’re a short-term student looking for a quick mode of transport, a long-term international student looking to get started, or a delivery driver seeking a convenient delivery vehicle, we’ve got you covered.
To find out more about How It Works, visit our team in-store or reach out online for help choosing the best option!
