Food delivery is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the gig economy and is how many people make a living or just a little money on the side. If you have a bike and some free time, maybe you’ve also thought about delivering hamburgers and pizzas for cash.
However, you cannot just download an app, hop on your bike, and go. You need to equip your ride with bike accessories for food delivery before you can make your first delivery. These accessories make your job easier, and some apps even require them.
Quick tip: you can get cash back every time you fill up your gas tank by using the Upside app. It's free and pays out straight to your bank.
Bike accessories for food delivery
Here are the best bike accessories for food delivery that will make your new side hustle easier.
How Do You Deliver Food on a Bike?
Most people are used to food delivery being done by cars. However, many delivery operators in cities have switched to delivery by bike or scooter. Bikes weave through city traffic much faster than cars do, and riders don’t have to worry about parking.
Some people may confuse you that you can deliver bulky items by bike. However, anything is possible if you have the right accessories! Most delivery people have a rack on the back of their cycle to strap down food. Once you’ve secured the food, you can pedal away to your destination.
How Much Do Uber Eats Cyclists Make?
Before you invest in accessories for your bike, you may be wondering how much you can make by being a delivery worker. After all, if you’ll be earning pennies, then there is no point in reworking your whole bike.
Uber Eats calculates the fee by factoring in a few different expenses. They pay cyclists a pick-up and delivery fee and a set amount per mile and added service fee with a percentage that differs according to the type of vehicle you use. In certain cities, Uber guarantees a $15 minimum wage per hour of delivery, which goes up to $19 an hour during peak delivery times.
On top of the fixed money you earn from UberEats, you can also make tips from delivery customers. Calculating how much you will earn as a cyclist on Uber Eats depends on various factors, including your willingness to work and your ability to provide excellent customer service.
Uber Eats Bicycle Requirements
Uber Eats has strict requirements for the type of car that a delivery person can drive if they work for them. However, they don’t have those requirements for a bicycle. When you sign up for the app, you can use pretty much any type of bicycle that you want, which saves you the expense of going out and getting a new one just to meet Uber’s requirements.
However, just because Uber Eats does not have formal requirements for the type of bike you can drive does not mean that you want to rely on any old clunker. You want a bicycle that is fast, in good condition and has an easy place to install a rack.
You should also check local ordinances and guidelines. Some local governments require cyclists to have certain types of safety equipment on their bikes or wear safety clothing. If you don’t have those on hand, you may face a fine if you get caught.
Equipping Your Bike for Deliveries
If you are getting ready to start a career or side hustle as a cyclist delivering food for companies such as Uber Eats and Postmates, you need the right equipment. Most companies do not require specific bike accessories for food delivery, but preparing yourself will make your life easier and even help you earn more money in tips.
One of the first things that you will need to think about is how you will transport the food from the restaurant to your customers. If your bike does not have a fixed rack already, you will need to install one. Then, you need the right bag to store the food. Choose a bag that will secure to the rack or that has straps to wear as a backpack. It should be insulated to maintain food temperature and have enough compartments to secure different food items.
Finally, you will need to think about your own safety and well-being. Protect your bike from theft and damage with a lock, and protect yourself with a helmet, bike light, and weatherproof gear. Once you are properly equipped, you can start making money doing food deliveries in no time!
Which accessory is best for your bike?
If you’re reading this, you probably have a u-lock and helmet already, but we had to include these items to make this list comprehensive.
What you might not have thought of is adding a durable phone mount to your bike, and that’s why the metal phone mount by CAW.CAR is our favorite accessory in this list. It will make navigating a breeze, and you won’t have to stop to double-check your directions.
Also, let’s give a final shout-out to the awesome idea of a bike poncho, which is going to help your entire body stay dry when delivering via bike in inclement weather.
Save on gas & groceries: the Upside app gives you cash back when you fill up your tank, buy groceries, or eat out.
Thanks for checking out this collection of the best bike accessories for food delivery drivers. We hope it makes your deliveries smoother and more comfortable.
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