DoorDash allows thousands of people across the globe an easy way to earn extra income or work full-time. But some people are curious about delivering orders on bikes and what to expect.
Here’s everything you need to know about delivering DoorDash orders on a bicycle or scooter.
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Will DoorDash Let You Deliver Orders on a Bike?
DoorDash will let you deliver orders on a bike, depending on your local market and location. Dense urban environments are typically good locations for delivering orders by bike. Delivering orders on a bike is similar to using a car, and you’ll have to go through the same application process.
Where Can I DoorDash on a Bike?
DoorDash does not explicitly state where couriers can work on bicycles. In some markets and locations, DoorDash offers orders under ‘Bike’ or ‘E-Bike’ mode. These categories allow dashers to select markets and orders that are shorter in travel time.
Common Cities
Although DoorDash does not explicitly state where couriers can work on bicycles or scooters, large urban cities are typically available. Large cities with dense downtown environments might offer Bike or E-Bike hot spots. Some cities in the United States to keep in mind can include:
- New York
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Dallas
- Houston
- Denver
- Boston
- Miami
- Philadelphia
- Washington, DC
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
Keep in mind that the list above is not accurate and only a rough guess of which cities will support DoorDash deliveries on bicycles or scooters. You’ll have to determine whether your local market supports these delivery methods for the most accurate information.
How Much Can You Make on a Bike?
DoorDash uses the same pay model for bicycle and car deliveries. But as you might expect, the amount you can earn on a bike varies significantly. Fewer expenses from gas and maintenance are some of the advantages of delivering on a bike, making it comparable to car deliveries.
The average pay per order can be lower on bicycles because the orders are typically smaller and yield smaller tips. Busy markets, peak hours, and effective work schedules can help you make as much or more than driving.
However, you’ll have to be more selective with your orders when you’re delivering orders on a bicycle. It’s not as easy to travel far distances in a timely manner when you use this method, meaning you’ll have to stay in specific locations and decline lengthy orders.
Advantages to Bike Delivery
Fewer expenses. Delivering orders on a bike has fewer expenses than a car. You won’t have to pay for gas, auto insurance, or routine maintenance. Bicycle deliveries might be worth your time, as gas prices are on the rise.
Better for the environment. Bicycles don’t create as large of a carbon footprint or emissions as a car. Delivering orders on a bike is better for the environment and might save around 3000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Nimble. Bicycles can provide you with an easier time navigating congested downtown environments or areas with heavy traffic.
Easy to park. You might have to circle around the block, use GPS, or wait in line to find a parking spot in a car. In many cases, you can park next to the entry of a restaurant on a bike, saving you time and frustration in the process.
Exercise. Additional exercise is one of the unique advantages of delivering on a bike. You’ll get paid to exercise and stay in shape. What’s more, is that cycling can be delightful and enriching.
Disadvantages to Bike Delivery
Difficult to manage orders. It can be challenging to handle food orders while riding on a bicycle. You’ll need a backpack, delivery bag, or bike rack in most cases. The orders can easily be shaken or disturbed as well.
Larger deliveries are a challenge. You might receive multiple orders or large deliveries while riding a bike. It can be challenging to carry multiple orders, keep them organized, and prevent them from being disturbed.
Weather is a risk. Weather is a much greater risk for bike deliveries. Rain, snow, and heat can quickly become an issue and impact your income. You might struggle to keep food warm or become too hot depending on the conditions.
Customers might have an issue. Some customers don’t like it when their food orders are delivered on a bike. Customers might expect the food to be cold or in poor condition and might not tip as highly.
Breakdowns are a risk. It’s possible for your bike tires to go flat or chains and cables to malfunction. You might have to end a delivery session early or pull over and resolve maintenance issues on the fly.
Smaller orders yield less pay. You’ll typically receive smaller orders while delivering on a bike, which often means smaller order amounts and tips.
Locking up your bike can be a pain. Locking up your bike outside of a restaurant or customer’s apartment can be tricky and time-consuming.
You can’t write off miles on your taxes. Unfortunately, standard mileage allowances don’t apply to bikes or two-wheeled vehicles, meaning you can’t write them off on taxes. In some cases, you might be able to claim a portion of the costs to use your bike.
Can I DoorDash on a Bike?
You can be eligible to deliver DoorDash orders on a bike or scooter, as long as your local market and location support it. Dense urban environments are typically good locations for delivering orders by bike. But there are a few considerations to keep in mind when delivering on a bike.
The increased effort, fewer expenses, weather conditions, and smaller orders are factors to keep in mind when considering DoorDash bike delivery. You can apply to become a DoorDash courier by visiting the official page here.