Gig jobs on a bicycle? Yeah, some drivers (we use the term loosely) out there do it, and some do quite well with it. It’s not difficult to teach yourself how to deliver food on a bike.
Obviously, there are those gigs in which a car is ideal. If you live in the right area, though, you can earn good money as a gig driver on a bicycle and sometimes even on a scooter. Park your bicycle or scooter, take time to hydrate, and read this guide to gig delivery on a bike or scooter. Topics include
- What are the considerations for doing food delivery on a bike?
- What do the various gig companies have to say about food delivery on a bike or scooter?
- What types of bikes or scooters should you consider for gig delivery?
- What else do you need to know about food delivery on a bike?
- How can Gridwise help?
What are the considerations for doing food delivery on a bike?
Can you work for Instacart without a car? Can you deliver Uber Eats on a bike? Can you do Roadie on a bicycle? Before we start, though:
- If you don’t have a driver’s license or don’t own a car, a bike is a viable alternative.
- As near as we can tell, if you can do a gig job on a bike, you can do it on a scooter.
There is probably a scooter delivery service out there, or maybe even specialized bike delivery apps, but since Gridwise is all about gig driving jobs, we’ll stick to the major gigs. Unless otherwise noted, when we say bikes, we also mean scooters.
- When we say “bike,” we specifically mean bicycles, not motorcycle delivery jobs. Yes, there are gig jobs out there that accept motorcycles, but that’s another article.
Is your region ideal for food delivery on a bike?
Not every region lends itself to bicycle or scooter delivery service. Suburban sprawl is likely to make it impractical. Some restaurant food and grocery delivery companies go so far as to give you orders that take into consideration you are on a bike (we discuss a few further down).
Gig workers who want to deliver on a bicycle should look for densely populated neighborhoods, most commonly in downtown districts. These areas often include a younger population (which happens to be the ideal demographic for restaurant food delivery), artists’ lofts, and multi-story apartment buildings.
How far you want to pedal for deliveries is up to you and requires some experimentation. You don’t want to go too far and take yourself out of your optimum delivery zone.
What kinds of gig jobs accept a bike as a viable delivery vehicle?
It appears that those gig jobs that accept alternate forms of transportation include restaurant food delivery on a bike and grocery delivery. FedEx and Roadie have some logistical and security problems involved with bicycle delivery. At least one of these companies has yet to rule out bicycle delivery. Read on to find out which one.
What are the benefits of doing food delivery on a bike?
There are at least five that we can think of:
- If you can fine-tune your territory and if you multi-app (we’ll get to that later), you can be quite profitable. It’s possible to make $30 to $40 an hour during peak periods.
- You don’t have to spend money on gas, your maintenance expenses are lower, and you don’t have to put all those miles on your car.
- Parking poses little problem, as does the risk of a parking ticket.
- Bicycle riding is good cardio exercise. You might turn into a beast.
- Bicycles and scooters don’t have exhaust emissions. They’re better for the environment.
What do the various gig companies have to say about food delivery on a bike or scooter?
We’ll make this simple. Here is a chart with the latest information about which companies allow grocery and food delivery on a bike.
| Service | Allows bikes? | Comments |
| DoorDash | Yes | The DoorDash website includes a dedicated page to Bike Dashers. DoorDash might score you a deal on an electric bike through Dirwin or Zoomo (NYC only). Check out the link. The website only mentions you need a driver’s license, but they seem so excited about bikes that we find it hard to believe they won’t accept a state ID or passport. |
| Grubhub | Yes | Bike delivery is allowed in select areas. Grubhub will accept a valid state ID or passport in place of a driver’s license. |
| Uber Eats | Yes | Dedicated web page for bike and foot delivery. You still must have a driver’s license or state ID. |
| Postmates | Yes | You need a government-issued ID. Remember, Uber Eats owns Postmates, so what works for one works for the other, at least as far as bicycles are concerned. |
| Instacart | Yes | Instacart’s website does not address bikes, but there are enough documented cases of Instacart delivery on a bike that it’s apparent the company accepts that mode of transportation. Check out this blog post on Pedalchef.com for more information on Instacart bike delivery. |
| Shipt | Yes | The Shipt website does not address bikes, but according to the Financial Panther, the company does allow bikes. |
| Gopuff | Yes | We can’t find anything about bike delivery on the Gopuff website, but a page on ridezoomo.com indicates Gopuff is a partner and you can rent an electric bike. |
| Amazon Flex | No | Website specifically designates a “mid-size or larger vehicle,” and other sources say Amazon Flex does not allow bikes. |
| Roadie | No | No bikes at this time, but Roadie hasn’t completely shut the door in the future. |
With the exception of Grubhub, we couldn’t find any delivery apps that don’t require a driver’s license, but the restaurant food delivery apps all embrace bike delivery, so they are likely to accept a state-issued ID or a passport.
What types of bikes and scooters should you consider for gig delivery?
Just about any bicycle or scooter will lend itself to bicycle delivery apps. Some models and types are better than others, though. With their heavier construction and bigger tires, mountain bikes are more appropriate for the task, although road bikes will work, too. If you want to invest more money, you can purchase an electric bike or electric-assist bike. There are also more specialized bicycles and scooters available. A sampling includes
Lectric eBikes
Lectric eBikes offers two models, a single-battery and dual-battery. Range always hinges on your riding habits and other conditions, but the website says you can reach 150 miles on the dual-battery model. The capacity is a whopping 450 pounds, and there are many nifty add-ons, including a food-delivery package.
Price range: Starts at $1,399 for the single-battery model and $1,699 for the dual-battery.
Icicle Tricycles
There are several different models from this manufacturer, and they may not be as speedy and maneuverable as others, but your region often dictates that need. Some models also include lockable compartments. If you have several orders, you can leave the bike unattended for a few minutes, and the other orders are reasonably safe.
Price range: These are a bit pricey, starting at $3,900.
Pexmor foldable bike cargo trailer
This might be the ideal solution. Pexmor’s trailer can hold close to 200 pounds., making it an excellent choice for grocery delivery. The trailer is easily detachable, so you can take it off when it’s time for other bike riding.
Price range: $136
Babboe
Babboe is in Europe, but there are some US dealers. Surf through their website, and you will see their electric trike models, some of which are ideal for restaurant food delivery, especially multiple orders. Some models carry 90 liters and can be locked.
Price range: The website does not indicate prices, but according to a former dealer, the electric models start at $3,000.
Zoomo
Zoomo is on top of the delivery market more than any other electric-bike brand, with arrangements with many food app and delivery companies. They even have electric mopeds. There are also accessories.
Price range: Website does not state, but they do a lot of fleet deals, and they offer rental arrangements.
Dirwin
Dirwin has several models. The range is standard at about 55 miles. Dirwin also offers a wide selection of accessories.
Price range: $1,999, going up to $2,299 for the basic electric-bike model.
Voro Motors
The EMOVE Electric Cruiser is an electric scooter with a top speed of 33 mph and a range of as much as 62 miles. It has headlights, taillights, turn signals, and even brake lights. Choose from six colors. It has a maximum load of 352 pounds. It also folds up and weighs a manageable 56 pounds.
Price range: $1,399
Yume
Yume offers the Hawk Electric Scooter with a 43-mile range (actual test conditions, however, got only 30 miles) and a top speed of 43 mph. The Hawk has some nice features, including an LCD control panel, a thumb throttle, and a horn. It weighs a chunky 77 pounds, with a weight rating of 280 pounds.
Price range: $1,799 (at press time, the website’s offering a $300 summer discount).
Other options
There are scores of delivery bicycle options on the market, and each driver has to decide about when and if their potential for earnings justifies the expense. Some people strongly believe in the value of the second-hand market. Websites such as OfferUp, Craigslist, eBay, and others offer bargains on specialized bikes for delivery. You have to shop around, and maybe less is better. You might just find that a sturdy road bike or mountain bike and a large thermal delivery backpack is ideal for your needs and market.
What else do you need to know about food delivery on a bike?
Let’s look at other tips and considerations for restaurant food delivery or grocery delivery on a bike.
Multi-apping
As with so many gig jobs, food delivery on a bike lends itself to multi-apping, and can be profitable. Kevin at FinancialPanther.com reports he earns as much as $30 to $40 an hour multi-apping restaurant food delivery on his bike.
Thermal backpack
If you select the conventional bicycle-only delivery, a thermal backpack is essential. Some models allow you to carry several orders simultaneously, if you’re creative. Check them out on Amazon.
Be careful and stay well-illuminated at night
Densely populated downtown areas may be great for food delivery on a bike or scooter, but they are also venues for nightlife and clubbing. On a bicycle, you’re not that visible even in the daytime. Be careful: use lots of lighting, and a brightly colored reflective vest as well as other reflective wear is always a good idea.
Use a bike lock
Even if you will only be away from your bike for a few seconds, that’s all it takes. Lock that bike every time it’s out of your sight.
Use a helmet, and leave it on when making a delivery
You don’t want a head injury from a spill. Also, leave your helmet on when you make a delivery. The customer might be impressed with your efforts and resourcefulness and leave a bigger tip.
Extra tubes and a pump
Flat tires are common, even if you’re careful, but a good cyclist can change a tube in ten minutes or less. You can only do that, though, if you have extra tubes and a pump. Carry them.
Have a backup bike
Hard-core cyclists are like many other enthusiasts: they tend to have more than one. In the event of a malfunction, and if you live locally, you can drop by your house or apartment and switch out bikes.
Gridwise can help
Gridwise helps gig drivers earn more and work smarter. Gridwise also offers self-employed gig workers access to benefits that are typically harder to come by. This includes all gig “drivers”, regardless of what kind of vehicle you use.
For those who sometimes venture out in a car to do rideshare or package delivery, Gridwise also has important features such as When to Drive and Where to Drive on the Gridwise app. Drivers can monitor arrival and departure times at airports, and the app will also tell you when sporting events and concerts are ending, and where to find spectators looking for their next ride.
Download Gridwise to see how you can earn more!
And have fun out there.
