Motorcycle courier

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A popular type of courier motobike in London, UK. Honda CB500

A small courier motorbike used to transport medical supplies.

A motorcycle courier is a courier operating via a motorcycle or motor scooter. Motorcycle couriers are common in major urban centres, primarily in Europe and Asia but increasingly in North America. They date back to 1918 when British Army motorcycle dispatch riders (Royal Signals Regiment) were demobilized and found employment difficult to come by in the post war economy. As a result they purchased military surplus motorcycles, and began couriering in central London. Traffic at that time moved at about 8 miles per hour - ironically about the same speed it does today.

Increasing traffic congestion and rising fuel costs make motorcycle couriers an attractive option for the movement of small packages and high priority consignments.

According to a report referenced by the London congestion charge article the introduction of this tariff has led to an increased use of motorbikes.