Are you looking for bicycle delivery jobs? Bicycle delivery, as well as use of e-bikes and scooters, is getting more popular with gig workers all the time. Eco-friendly, less costly, and easier to park, bicycles and scooters are viable ways for food delivery people to get their jobs done.
Here's what we cover:
Why would you want to deliver with a bicycle or scooter?
On top of helping to save the environment and almost completely eradicating parking problems, delivering without a car gives you the freedom to earn money minus the huge expenses of car payments, insurance, charging costs, and gasoline. Even if you already own a car, using a bike or scooter instead can save you big bucks—and besides, you’ll get a great cardio workout!
Bike delivery apps give people who don’t want to own a car, or can’t afford one, the ability to participate in the thriving gig economy world. Bicycles, and even e-bikes, are not overly expensive. Scooters are usually acceptable alternatives to bicycles, and are also reasonably priced. If you want to deliver with a scooter, check with your company because there may be restrictions and requirements.
Delivery jobs that don’t require a license are hard to find. You’ll probably need a driver’s license, or at least a government ID, to qualify as a delivery worker. Always make sure you meet company requirements before setting your heart on delivering with a bicycle or scooter for a particular platform.
If riding a motorcycle is your jam, delivery jobs motorcycle riders can do are available, in most cases, from bicycle delivery apps. Check with the individual company’s requirements to make sure that you’re eligible.
Where are the best places to use bikes and scooters?
Cities are the best places for food delivery on a bicycle or scooter. These densely populated areas make it possible to pedal or ride short distances and still rack up a fair number of deliveries.
Delivering by scooter or bicycle in a suburban or rural area usually isn’t practical, but some less heavily populated areas can yield earning opportunities. These might include larger suburban hubs with thriving restaurant areas near to offices and housing, particularly multi-story apartment buildings.
Gigs you can do on a bicycle or scooter: Gig company policies
Can you Instacart without a car? Can you deliver Uber Eats on a bike? Instacart bike delivery is not a thing, but Uber Eats does welcome bicycle and scooter riders in some areas.
When a delivery app states that you can deliver by “bike,” this refers to a bicycle or e-bike. “Scooter” refers to small vehicles with a platform you can ride on. These can be powered by small electric motors.
“Motorbikes,” including motor scooters and motorcycles, are in a different vehicle class. You will need to check with the apps to determine if motorbikes qualify, and what the requirements are.
Let’s get back to bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters, because there are lots of important things to know.
Just because you know how to deliver food on a bike doesn’t mean it’s always possible. Don’t try to trick the apps because pretending you’re in a car while delivering by bicycle could be disastrous. Companies that allow bicycle delivery send only those orders that are close by and small enough to transport without a car. If you don’t make it clear that you’re on a bike or scooter, you could get orders that are either too large or too far away—or both.
Check out this chart to see which gigs accommodate delivery people who want to work without a car. Policies can vary depending on where you live. Examine the company app to see if it caters to bicycle and scooter delivery service in your area.
| Service | Bicycles or scooters allowed? | Comments |
| DoorDash | Yes | Bicycle and scooter delivery are allowed in most major cities. |
| Grubhub | Yes | Bicycles and scooters are allowed in select urban areas. |
| Uber Eats | Yes | Check your Uber driver app, and if bicycle delivery is allowed, indicate that you’ll be using your bike. |
| Getir | Yes | Getir issues e-bikes and smartphones for delivery people to use while working their shifts. |
| Instacart | No | Instacart ran a trial on bicycle delivery in 2022, but current requirements stipulate the need for a car. Look into becoming an in-store shopper instead. |
| Shipt | No | Shipt requirements state that a car is needed, in addition to the ability to carry 50 pounds—not easy to do on a bicycle or scooter. Shopping for Shipt is still an option, though! |
| Gopuff | Yes | Many Gopuff delivery workers use bicycles and scooters. |
| Amazon Flex | No | At this time, delivering for Amazon Flex is restricted to cars and trucks. |
| Roadie | No | You can ship a bicycle with Roadie, but you can’t ride one to deliver for this UPS company. |
Bicycle, e-bike, or scooter: Which works best?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these eco-friendly ways to zip around town?
Bicycles
Non-motorized bicycles are, in most cases, the most economical choice. They don’t require gas or expensive maintenance, but little breakdowns often happen at the most inconvenient times. It’s a good idea to consider keeping a spare bike on hand, just in case you’re stuck without a way to do DoorDash bicycle delivery. Consider also that your bike will be powered by human muscle power, so the time and distance you can cover is limited.
E-bikes
The extra oomph of e-bikes makes them very popular and gives your biking chops a boost. You can use your e-bike like a regular bicycle, and then deploy the electric battery-powered motor to help you keep up with traffic or climb steep hills. The battery range might not cover a lot of territory, though, so keep that in mind before you trust your e-bike to deliver for you all day or night.
Scooters
Although they don’t use a lot of it, many scooters need gasoline to run. In some cases, they operate on fully electric motors. These vehicles are more expensive, but offer greater power than bicycles and e-bikes. Delivery apps often place limits on scooters, so make sure the one you want to use meets requirements.
All these modes of transportation are, of course, easier to deal with in dry, moderate weather. Without snow tires, an air conditioner, or even a roof, your plans for earning delivery money could be destroyed by inclement weather.
Best bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters for delivery gigs
Choices abound when it comes to selecting bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters for delivery gigs. If you’re looking at a nonmotorized option, a mountain bike would make more sense than a racing bike, because tougher tires and stronger structure will stand up to uneven city streets. Several features make certain bicycles suitable for food delivery, including durability, reliability, and cargo capacity.E-bikes, as we mentioned, are an increasingly popular option, as are scooters.
The list that follows is a good place to start your search for the perfect delivery bicycle, e-bike, or scooter.
Yuba
Pizza delivery can be awkward on most bicycles, but the Yuba Compact Cargo Bike changes all that! Equipped with a carrier for those big square boxes and designed for food deliveries of all kinds, this nonmotorized bicycle is also extremely economical. You can get this solid delivery bicycle for about $999. Yuba also offers a line of e-bikes.
Icicle Tricycles
You can’t exactly zip around town with one of these, but if you want to deliver large orders over short distances, these e-assisted trikes can do the job. Popular with vendors, these tricycles have a larger price tag. A nonmotorized trike will run you around $2,700, and if you want e-assistance, be prepared to pay at least $3,950.
The Xpedition, Lectric’s latest e-bike model, features cargo space delivery drivers have to love. The single battery model, with a range of about 75 miles, starts at $1,475, while the dual-battery Xpedition is priced at $1,699 and has a range of approximately 150 miles. Add on extra equipment to get space to accommodate all your orders.
Not sure you’re ready to invest in buying your own e-bike? You can get a sweet deal by renting one through Zoomo. It’s an economical way to deliver when you want, without the worry of where your e-bike will be parked when you’re not working. The battery has an 8-hour range, which is perfectly adequate for your delivery shifts. Deals for delivery people, especially in NYC, make this option very appealing.
Tough bikes and a 55-mile range make Dirwin e-bikes a solid choice. Variety adds to Dirwin’s appeal. There’s a fat-tire e-bike, one that’s suitable for commuting, and one that even folds. All would make great options for your delivery gig. Prices range from $1,399 to $2,299.
The EMOVE Electric Cruiser gives you maneuverability, dual suspension, a top speed of 33 mph, and a range of 62 miles. Headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights ensure safe riding. Priced at $1,195, this electric scooter comes in six colors.
The Hawk is Yume’s flagship electric scooter. Its sleek design comes with a 43-mile range and a top speed of 43 mph. For added utility and safety, the Hawk comes equipped with an LCD control panel, a thumb throttle, and a horn. You can own it for about $1,380.
Delivery tools you will need
Plan to handle your deliveries and any emergency with tools that make delivering by bicycle or scooter safer and easier. The delivery companies usually provide that thin, flimsy thermal bag that isn’t very effective, and you can’t carry it on a bicycle. Pack along the right kinds of hands-free carrying bags, and don’t forget safety equipment.
Thermal backpack
Get a good, solid thermal backpack that keeps food at the right temperature and doesn’t interfere with your ability to pilot your bicycle or scooter safely.
High-visibility gear
Cities are perfect areas for bicycle delivery, but car and bus drivers won’t necessarily see you. Ride in the bike lanes where you can, and always wear and equip your bicycle or scooter with reflective and/or self-illuminating accessories.
Bike lock
You love your bicycle, and thieves are out there who would like to take it from you! Invest in a strong bike lock that’s easy for you to operate, and almost impossible for someone to break.
Helmet
Helmets protect one of your greatest assets—your brain! Use your noodle and wear protective headgear. Consider adding pads for knees and elbows, in case you tip or get nudged in a traffic mishap.
Tire repair kit and pump
Glass, nails, and even rough grates can eat your bicycle’s tires for lunch. Be prepared with a way to patch your tire or replace a tire tube, and always keep an air pump on board. Learn how to change a flat before you actually need to.
Phone mount
If you don’t have one already, the moment you decide to do bicycle delivery is the time to buy a phone mount. “Hands-free” takes on a whole new meaning when you deliver with a bike or scooter. Ride safe and don’t drop your phone in a filthy city puddle.
Multi-apping and other smart strategies: Gridwise can help
Work smart! Don’t sit around waiting for just one app to ping you for a delivery. Sign up with two, three, or four and see who notifies you first and most often. Using more than one app at a time allows you to make more money in far less time.
Color within the lines, and don’t let time lapse on your first delivery while you go to get another. Your ratings will be based on how fast you serve your customers. There’s an art to multi-apping. Learn it and increase your income exponentially.
Boost your bicycle delivery earnings even higher with Gridwise!
Your delivery gig is a business. Run it so it makes money for you. Report your earnings and itemize your deductible expenses like a pro—with Gridwise! You can track your earnings from all your apps,and enter expenses as you encounter them.
Benefits are a big issue when you’re a gig worker. Gig companies don’t have much to offer in terms of insurance or healthcare plans, so you have to be resourceful. Deals and discounts become more important than ever when you’re running your own business, too.
Is there a way to keep track of your earnings and expenses, get information about running your gig, find benefits you can afford, and score deals that reduce your operation costs?
There sure is! It’s all in one mighty app—Gridwise!
Gridwise helps you
- track your earnings
- record expenses
- get connected with tax, financial, and legal advisors
- obtain no-cost and low-cost insurance and benefits
- grab up deals and discounts you need
You’ll also get updates on traffic, weather, and events that help you manage your time so you make the most money possible. When to Drive and Where to Drive are features that show you where the most activity is in your area at different times of day, ensuring you hit the most profitable spots.
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Download Gridwise for free, or get Gridwise Plus to receive the full suite of features designed for gig workers, by gig workers!
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