Delivery drivers in Paris (Uber Eats, Deliveroo): which licence to choose in 2026?

Delivery drivers in Paris in 2026: a changing market

Paris has more than 45,000 active delivery drivers on platforms (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Stuart, Frichti, Getir, Gorillas) in 2026. After an explosive growth phase in 2020-2022, the market has structured and rationalized: more than 40% of delivery drivers now use a thermal or electric scooter, against 15% in 2020. This shift is linked to two factors: the average distance per race has increased (partner restaurants have expanded throughout the metropolis), and the ZFE has pushed towards modern electric scooters.

For someone considering launching as a delivery driver in Paris, the choice of means of transport - and therefore of licence - is strategic. Each option has its advantages, its entry cost and its profitability. This guide objectively compares the four options: muscle bike, electric-assisted bike (VAE), 50cc scooter / AM licence, 125cc scooter / B licence with 7h training.

Option 1: Muscle bike

No licence necessary. Investment: €300 to €800 for a correct urban bike. No mandatory insurance (but strongly recommended: €60-100 per year).

Advantages: no gasoline, no heavy mechanical maintenance, speed in dense city center (faster than a scooter in the Marais or Saint-Germain at rush hours), possibility to circulate on cycle paths. Disadvantages: limited maximum distance (15-20 real km per service without exhaustion), low profitability in rain/winter, important physical fatigue, average income in Paris: €9-12 per hour (net).

Suitable profile: young athlete, student in supplement, Paris center delivery only, no need for high income.

Option 2: Electric-assisted bike (VAE)

No licence necessary (VAEs are limited to 25 km/h by law). Investment: €1,200 to €2,500 for a serious VAE adapted to delivery (500+ Wh battery, reliable motorization). Replacement battery cost: €400-600 every 3-4 years.

Advantages: much greater range than muscle bike (30-40 km per service without too much fatigue), less sweating (important for a delivery driver who meets clients), good economic compromise. Disadvantages: heavier initial investment, very high theft risk (Paris 2024: 11,000 VAE stolen), battery recharge several times a day in intensive use.

Suitable profile: young active in dense urban environment, mainly restaurant delivery, search for a balance yield/physical effort.

Option 3: 50cc scooter / AM licence

Requires: AM licence (formerly BSR) and being born after January 1, 1988. Investment: new 50cc scooter €1,400-2,200, used €600-1,200. AM licence training: €350 (if not already obtained). Paris annual insurance: €350-500. Gasoline: €5-8 per 100 km.

Advantages: greater range than a VAE, without physical effort, all types of deliveries possible, can ride in the rain. Disadvantages: 45 km/h max (little adapted to distant deliveries), subject to traffic jams (more than the bike), atmospheric pollution (possible ZFE limitation in the long term).

Suitable profile: delivery driver aiming 25-35 hours per week, varied delivery areas, target income €1,200-1,800 per month.

Option 4: 125cc scooter / B licence + 7h training

Requires: B licence obtained + 7h training (if not already done). Investment: new 125cc scooter €3,200-6,500, used €1,500-3,500. 7h training: €350-450. Paris annual insurance: €500-850. Gasoline/electricity: €8-14 per 100 km.

Advantages: the most versatile and profitable choice. 50+ km range, 90 km/h speed, can leave Paris for suburb deliveries, solid mechanical autonomy. Disadvantages: larger investment, more expensive insurance, high theft risk. Since 2024, electric 125 scooters (Horwin, Super Soco, Piaggio 1) are increasingly used: very reduced maintenance, ZFE exemption, energy cost divided by 4.

Suitable profile: delivery driver seeking to earn a living (35-50 hours per week), income ambition €2,000-3,000 per month, high race volume.

Profitability comparison in 2026

Over 40 weekly hours in Paris with an active platform (Uber Eats or Deliveroo) in 2026, here are the orders of magnitude of net income observed: muscle bike €1,400-1,700 / month net, VAE €1,700-2,100 / month net, 50 scooter €2,100-2,500 / month net, 125 scooter €2,500-3,000 / month net. These figures are gross of social contributions (RSI, micro-enterprise), taking into account fuel/maintenance costs.

Tips for a young person starting as delivery driver in Paris

Do not invest immediately in a 125

Start on bike or 50 scooter to test viability. If after 3 months you run at 25+ hours per week with good yield, move to 125. The investment will then be justified.

Favor electric whenever possible

In Paris, the electric scooter has become the 2026 standard for professional delivery drivers. Reduced maintenance, no fuel, silent. Short-term rental fleets (Tier, Voi, Cooltra) offer interesting delivery driver packages: €280-380 per month all-inclusive.

Anticipate insurance and taxation

Delivering for platforms = micro-entrepreneur status. Social charges 22%, no VAT below €37,500 turnover. Professional insurance (RCP) is to add to vehicle insurance: €150-250 per year. Do not neglect these costs in your profitability calculation.

Find the right fast training in Paris

If you must take an AM licence or 7h training to start as delivery driver, every week counts. DevisPermis.fr identifies Parisian driving schools that offer these trainings with the shortest delays (often 1-2 weeks against 4-6 weeks elsewhere). Request your free quote and start quickly.