The 6 Best Bicycle Delivery Jobs That Pay Well

Working a gig app doesn’t mean you must have a car. Many apps offer bicycle delivery jobs, too.

In fact, sometimes delivering by bike can make you more money because you are more flexible on a bike than a car. The downside is you can’t take larger orders.

Here’s what you must know.

The 6 Best Bicycle Delivery Jobs That Pay Well

More gig apps allow you to deliver by bike than you might realize.

You don’t need previous delivery experience for these apps, and if you live in an area where biking makes sense, it can be a great way to make money as a side job.

1. DoorDash

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service, but did you know you can be a delivery driver by bike for them, too?

This option is only available in select cities where riding a bike to deliver food, such as in crowded urban areas, makes sense.

It’s easy to get approved to be a Dasher by bike. You only need to pass a background check and own a smartphone.

The benefits of driving for DoorDash by bike include:

• You can take faster routes, aka shortcuts, to do more deliveries in less time.
• You save money and time on finding parking.
• You save money on gas and car maintenance.

2. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is another popular food delivery service that allows you to deliver by bike.

Again, this works best in urban areas where the restaurants and houses are close enough that it’s easy to ride your bike and make deliveries on time.

If you’re already an Uber driver, you are automatically approved to drive for Uber Eats by car or bike.

If not, simply sign up to be an Uber Eats driver. You must pass a background check and agree to the terms and conditions if you aren’t delivering by car.

If you want the option to deliver by car or bike, be sure to select both options. You must prove you have a valid driver’s license and car insurance to deliver via car.

With Uber Eats, you decide when you want to work and keep 100% of the customer tips. Be sure to select that you’re delivering by bike (if available in your area) so you get orders that are possible by bike.

3. Instacart

Since Instacart is for grocery delivery, it might seem difficult to manage on a bike, but it’s possible. Because you can choose the orders you accept, you can keep the orders small, so bike delivery is possible.

Of course, the downside is that you’ll have to pass on larger batch orders that might make more money.

However, if you use your time wisely and can deliver orders quickly, you can make the same amount of money delivering a higher quantity of smaller orders.

4. GoPuff

GoPuff is a one-stop delivery service that delivers anything you could think of, from groceries to prescriptions and even alcohol.

The difference with GoPuff is you pick up the orders from a GoPuff facility rather than traveling to individual stores.

Since GoPuff allows delivery drivers to ride bikes, you can accept small orders and deliver them without a car. To be a GoPuff driver, you must be at least 21 years old.

If you don’t plan to use a car to deliver for GoPuff, you don’t need to provide a driver’s license or car insurance. However, you must provide a valid government ID, like a state ID, to prove your identity.

5. Postmates

Uber bought Postmates in 2020, so it’s no surprise they have bike delivery jobs available, too. Like Uber Eats, only certain markets allow bike delivery services since it doesn’t make sense in every area.

The nice thing about signing up for Uber Eats or Postmates is you can access both platforms when approved.

You don’t need a driver’s license to get approved to deliver by bike, but you must have a valid state ID and social security number. Just like with UberEats, you must pass a background check.

However, unlike if you were delivering by car, you only have to be 18 years old to deliver Postmates by bike.

6. Caviar

Caviar is a part of the DoorDash family and works much the same. The difference in driving for Caviar is you might pick up orders from more upscale restaurants than you would with DoorDash.

Fortunately, like DoorDash, you can deliver by bike in some markets.

How Much Do Average Bicycle Delivery Jobs Pay Per Hour?

3000W E-Bike Delivery Rush Hour ($30/h)

Just like when delivery drivers use a car for Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats, the pay varies based on location, time worked, and how well you treat your customers.

For example, on average, a DoorDash delivery driver by bike in Chicago makes $20 to $30 an hour, depending on the hours worked and the current demand.

There may be nights when bike delivery drivers can handle plenty of orders and nights when the orders are more long-distance and not feasible for bikers.

Overall, bicycle delivery jobs pay $15 to $25 an hour. The nice thing is you control how much you make when you work for gig apps. You decide which orders you accept and then manage your time.

You can increase your earnings by using your time wisely, taking the shortest routes, and taking as many orders as possible.

Requirements To Become a Bicycle Delivery Rider

Each platform has different requirements to work for them, but here’s what to expect on average.

• 18 to 21 years old: Depending on the platform, you typically have to be at least 18 years old, but sometimes 21, especially if you’ll be responsible for delivering alcohol. Most platforms allow younger drivers to deliver via bike versus car because there is less risk.
• Pass a background check: Whether you drive a car, bike, or scooter, you must pass a background check for any gig app. You must pass the background check typically annually to continue delivering for the app.
• Provide a government-issued ID: You usually don’t need a driver’s license to qualify to deliver by bike, but you must have a passport or state-issued ID to prove your identity.

Of course, you must also have reliable transportation. Since you aren’t transporting people, you don’t have to have your bike approved for the job.

However, you must select that you plan to deliver by bike to ensure it’s allowed in your market, and so you only get jobs you can handle on a bike.

How To Maximize Earnings as a Bike Delivery Driver

Making as much money as possible is usually the goal of people working bike delivery. Just like if you drove a car, whether you work part-time or full-time, there are simple ways to maximize your earnings.

• Provide great customer service: Since you keep 100% of your tips, it’s important to provide excellent customer service. Even though you’re riding a bike to deliver, you can still offer timely service, be courteous, and offer your customers extras, like napkins and condiments, or go above and beyond their requests to get the best tips.
• Have the right equipment: Since riding a bike leaves you much less room than driving a car, a quality food delivery backpack is crucial. This will allow you to take slightly larger orders and keep your customer’s food safe and warm.
• Use a phone mount: Even though you’re riding a bike, you still need to know where you’re going with your deliveries. A phone mount allows you to keep your GPS on your phone while navigating to your next delivery.
• Choose the right times to deliver: Just like if you delivered with a car, choosing the busiest times to work will help you earn the most money. Get to know the demand and when the best times to work are so you make the most of your time.

Tips for Finding Bicycle Delivery Jobs

Finding bicycle delivery jobs may be slightly more difficult than finding standard delivery jobs, but here are some tips to make it easier.

Utilize Online Job Platforms

The easiest way to find bike delivery jobs is to check the major gig economy apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.

Each platform has different rules about which markets they allow bike delivery in, so check each app to see which allows the option in your area.

Network With Local Businesses

If DoorDash and Uber Eats don’t allow bike delivery in your area, consider networking with local businesses by offering your services.

Since you work as an independent contractor for gig apps, you can do the same for local businesses, helping them grow their business.

Advertise Your Services on Social Media

Let friends and family or anyone on social media know about your ability to deliver by bike. Word of mouth is a great way to find ways to make more money.

FAQs

Can I Work Two Bike Delivery Jobs at the Same Time?

It’s possible to work two bike delivery jobs at once. The key is to have good time management.

For example, if you drive for Uber Eats and DoorDash simultaneously, keeping your orders straight is important. For instance, if you accept an order on Uber Eats, it’s a good idea to pause your status on DoorDash until after you deliver it.

Because you work for tips, you want to provide excellent customer service. Mixing up orders or showing up late with an order could upset your customers and decrease your tips. But if you can manage two apps at once, it can be a great way to maximize your opportunities.

Can I Choose My Own Working Hours as a Bicycle Delivery Rider?

The nice thing about working gig apps is you can choose your own hours. You set yourself to available when you want to work and turn yourself to unavailable when you don’t want to work.

It’s a good idea to determine when the busiest times are to deliver by bike and make yourself available during those times to increase your earnings.

Can I Work Part-Time as a Bicycle Delivery Rider?

You can work as many or as few hours as you want as a bicycle delivery driver. If you choose the busier hours to work, you may be able to work fewer hours but make more money.

Are There Any Opportunities for Tips or Additional Earnings in Bicycle Delivery Jobs?

Most gig apps allow drivers to work for tips. Since you get to keep 100% of the tips, it’s an incentive to work as hard as possible to keep your customers happy.

The tips are in addition to the flat or hourly pay the gig apps pay.

Are There Any Specific Time Restrictions for Delivering to Residential or Business Locations?

Each market has different rules regarding if and when you can deliver by bike and if there are any time restrictions. The rules are typically city rules rather than app rules, so they vary by location.

What App Can I Deliver With a Bike?

Most of the major gig economy apps allow bike delivery in certain markets.

This includes DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and even Instacart. Of course, you can only accept smaller orders that you can fit on your bike or in your backpack to make it work.

Is DoorDashing on a Bike Worth It?

If you live in a busy urban area where restaurants and homes are close together, it can make sense to DoorDash via bike.

In some areas, navigating the city on the bike is even easier because you can take shortcuts that cars can’t, allowing you to deliver more orders faster.

Is Biking for Uber Eats Worth It?

Uber Eats offers the opportunity to deliver by bike, too, and again, if you live in a busy area with restaurants close by, it can be worth it to deliver Uber Eats via bike.

Can You Do Amazon Flex With a Bike?

Amazon Flex currently does not allow delivery by bike. You must have a four-door sedan or truck to deliver for them.

Does Uber Have a Bike Option?

You can deliver for Uber Eats via bike, but you can’t drive for Uber, transport people, or use a bike.

Can You Use a Bike To Deliver Postmates?

Uber owns Postmates and allows you to deliver by bike. Since Postmates delivers just about anything you could think of, you should stick to smaller orders that you can handle on a bike.

The Bottom Line

Bicycle delivery jobs are more common than most people think.

If you have your own bike and like to be outside, deliveries by bike can be a fun way to make extra money. The key is to find the gig apps that are the busiest in your area and that allow bike delivery jobs.