DoorDash provides thousands of people a convenient way to earn extra income or work full time. However, many individuals wonder if they can start delivering orders without a vehicle or on foot.
Here’s everything you need to know and more about delivering DoorDash orders on foot.
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Can You Do DoorDash Walking?
You might be eligible to deliver orders for DoorDash on foot, depending on your local market and location. It’s typically not possible to DoorDash by walking in more spread-out suburban areas. In more dense neighborhoods and urban cities, the option is more likely.
DoorDash Vehicle Requirements
DoorDash has no specific vehicle criteria or requirements as long as the vehicle is in working order. This means you can deliver DoorDash orders in a sedan, coupe, truck, or any other kind of car. DoorDash does require three things for its drivers:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Insurance
- Clean Driving Record
Can I DoorDash Without a Vehicle?
Generally speaking, it’s possible to deliver orders for DoorDash without a vehicle. As an independent contractor, you can choose how to pick up and deliver orders, as long as you’re meeting other criteria. This means you can DoorDash by foot or bike in specific markets and locations.
Where Can I DoorDash on Foot?
DoorDash does not explicitly state where couriers can work on foot or bicycle. 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. You would most likely choose these categories if you were delivering orders by foot.
You’ll have to be more selective with your orders, whether you’re delivering orders by foot or on a bicycle. It’s not as easy to travel far distances in a timely manner when you use these methods, meaning you’ll have to stay in specific locations and decline lengthy orders.
Common Cities
Although DoorDash does not explicitly state where couriers can work on foot or bicycle, 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 foot, bicycle, or scooter. You’ll have to determine whether your local market supports these delivery methods for the most accurate information.
How Much Can I Make on Foot?
The amount you can earn while dashing on foot will vary depending on the location, market, tips, and several other factors. However, other dashers have reported their earnings while working on foot in New York City and have made around $20 to $25 an hour. This hourly rate is quite impressive, even for some dashers using standard vehicles.
Can I Use Public Transport?
You might want to consider using public transport such as subways or public bus routes if you’re delivering DoorDash orders on foot. Using public transport won’t result in any consequences as long as you’re arriving at the drop-off locations on time and meeting other criteria.
What to Keep In Mind When Delivering on Foot
There’s a lot to factor in if you’re considering delivering DoorDash orders on foot. Besides your local market, you’ll need to consider the advantages and disadvantages. We’ll cover some factors to keep in mind below, but you can also use other dasher’s personal experiences for more information.
Practice Walking Beforehand
Some DoorDash Walkers recommend practicing walking and using Google Maps before accepting on-foot deliveries. These dashers suggest walking common routes and streets in busy locations near you. Google might estimate it takes 30 minutes to get from point A to B, but it might take you less time.
If you’re walking much faster than what Google estimates, you’re probably safe to start accepting orders. But you might want to build up stamina or use a different transportation method if you take longer than Google estimates. You might want to practice walking up hills and in other circumstances to get a feel for what deliveries might be like.
Customers Might Be Upset
Factoring in the customer’s experience when selecting a transportation method is essential. Customers can make or break your DoorDash account, and in some cases, several negative reviews can get your account deactivated. What’s more, is that some customers can become upset if they notice that you’re delivering orders on foot.
It might be best to message the customer ahead of time about your estimated time of arrival, especially if it’s going to take you longer than expected. Messaging a customer beforehand might keep them from leaving negative ratings or becoming impatient.
Orders Further Than 1.5 Miles Might Not Be an Option
Unfortunately, you can only walk so much in a day or in a couple of hours before becoming too tired. It can take anywhere from 17 to 30 minutes to walk 1.5 miles, depending on your speed and fitness levels. Not to mention, you’ll be carrying delivery orders, any gear you have on hand, trying to make decent times, and having to walk back towards busy locations.
That’s why traveling more than 1.5 miles for orders on foot might not be a viable option. You might have to limit your order selection to 1 mile, which can also impact your daily income.
Is It Possible to DoorDash on Foot?
It might be possible to deliver DoorDash orders on foot in some locations and markets. DoorDash couriers are independent contractors, meaning they can decide how they want to deliver orders as long as they’re meeting other criteria. Eligible locations are typically dense, urban environments such as San Francisco, New York City, or Chicago.
However, there’s a lot to remember when delivering orders on foot, and your mileage will vary depending on several factors.