DoorDash has provided thousands of people with a convenient way to earn a living or supplement their income. The delivery app didn’t always offer bike deliveries, leaving dashers wondering if it’s a profitable venture.
Although not every location and market offers bike deliveries, this method of transportation is becoming increasingly popular. So, just how effective can delivering orders using a bicycle be?
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Is It Better to DoorDash Using a Bike or a Car?
Generally speaking, it’s better to DoorDash with a vehicle rather than a bicycle. Only some locations and markets allow dashers to deliver on bike or foot. Delivering orders on a bicycle may result in lower profit margins than delivering orders with a car or truck.
Weighing the Two Options
Delivery drivers typically use cars and trucks to drop off orders. However, you may be eligible to deliver orders on foot or by bicycle in select urban locations. This can be advantageous for some dashers. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.
Only Some Cities Allow Bicycles
DoorDash only allows bicycle and foot deliveries in select locations. You can find whether your city supports bicycle and foot deliveries here.
Navigation can be a headache for delivery drivers, regardless of their vehicle type. However, dashers using a bicycle may have difficulty navigating to their pickup and drop-off locations. Part of the reason for this is due to bikes not having accessories and phone holders like a typical vehicle.
Navigation can also be more challenging for delivery drivers on bicycles because the apps may be designed with cars in mind. If navigation is already a point of frustration, you may want to consider another option other than bicycles.
Bicycles Have Added Physical Requirements
Delivering on a bike has added physical requirements compared to a traditional vehicle. Pedaling for multiple hours a day can be exhausting. Not to mention, the slower you pedal, the less you’re likely to earn. If you aren’t physically prepared to deliver DoorDash orders on a bicycle, it may not be the best solution available.
You Don’t Need Auto Insurance With a Bicycle
One of the advantages of delivering orders with a bicycle is that you may not need to show your driving record or proof of auto insurance upon signing up. This can be advantageous for those with troublesome records or those lacking auto insurance. However, this may depend on your location and market. For the most accurate information, be sure to contact DoorDash customer support to speak with an active agent.
You Might Earn Less With a Bicycle
If you’re delivering orders with a bicycle, you may make less income than someone using a vehicle. This is because delivery drivers using a standard car can typically get to pickup and drop-off locations faster than someone using a bike.
You Don’t Have to Pay for Gas Using a Bike
One of the most significant benefits of delivering orders using a bike is that you don’t have to pay for gas. Paying for gas can cut into a delivery driver’s overall profit, significantly reducing the amount they earn. On a bicycle, this isn’t an issue.
What are Other Dashers Saying?
The bicycle versus vehicle debate is alive and well within the DoorDash community. Some delivery drivers love the bicycle option, while others see it as a pointless addition. Here are some thoughts from a few different dashers.
One delivery driver reported making over $17 an hour during their first trip using a bike. However, they were only able to work for around two hours and had to decline multiple orders during the process. Overall, this dasher recommends bicycle deliveries if the circumstances are optimal.
Another delivery driver recommends avoiding bike deliveries altogether. This delivery driver claims each order took around 40 minutes to pick up and drop off while using a bicycle. It would be challenging to earn more than minimum wage per hour with those numbers in mind.
Are Bikes Better Than Cars for DoorDash?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is tricky. It all depends on your location, market, physical ability, and other variables. In general, it’s recommended to use a vehicle for DoorDash. Vehicles have fewer physical demands and can travel further. However, many dashers have reported positive results when using a bike. It’s safe to say your mileage will vary.