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FAQs

Is being a bike courier worth it

December 12, 2024

Author:

Anastasiia Chub

Is being a bike courier worth It?

If you’re someone who likes flexible working hours, enjoys being outside, and wants to make profit while staying fit, becoming a delivery rider might be the right employment for you.

Delivery riding is one of the most popular jobs and part-time gigs in the U.S. With tens of thousands of delivery workers in NYC alone, many prospective riders are wondering, is being a bike courier worth it?

What is the job of a bike courier?

A bike courier, also known as a delivery rider, is a person delivering orders – usually food - using a bicycle or an e-bicycle.

Most delivery riders collect items from various locations, such as restaurants, and deliver them to specified destinations within a city, such as NYC.

It is the delivery rider’s responsibility to navigate through traffic by finding the quickest route, staying in touch with customers and dispatchers, and safely handling and transporting the package, all of that in a timely manner.

The pay of a bike courier can vary. Most of the time, you earn depending on the number and type of deliveries you make.

The larger the number of deliveries, the higher your paycheck. This is why choosing the proper means of transportation is important.

Advantages of being a bike courier

  • Stay fit: The job naturally involves a lot of cycling, which is excellent for physical health and fitness. It's a way to stay active and combine work with exercise.
  • Eco-friendly: By using bicycles, couriers contribute positively to the environment. Bikes are zero-emission vehicles, making this a sustainable choice of work.
  • Flexibility: Many bike courier roles, particularly with app-based delivery services, offer flexible working hours. This allows couriers to tailor their work schedules to fit personal commitments or preferences.
  • Independence: Bike couriers often enjoy a degree of independence in their work. This autonomy can be very appealing for individuals who prefer self-directed working conditions.
  • Urban exploration: This job provides an opportunity to explore and become intimately familiar with different parts of a city or region, which can be an enjoyable aspect of the role.

In terms of potential earnings and success, bike couriers, especially those in urban areas, can find significant opportunities.

With the right strategy and approach, such as optimizing delivery routes, working during peak demand hours, and providing excellent service to increase tips, couriers can maximize their income.

While the job may not always offer the highest income compared to other professions, successful bike couriers can achieve a satisfactory earning level.

This, combined with the lifestyle benefits of the role, makes being a bike courier a worthwhile consideration for many.

How to get started as a bike courier

To become a bike courier, first, you need to get a bike or an e-bike.

There is a reason why e-bikes are becoming the most popular option for delivery riders in NYC. They are more convenient than traditional bikes and help you complete more deliveries per shift.

You don’t need to purchase your own e-bike. It’s enough to rent one from companies such as Whizz.

Whizz manufacturers e-bikes with delivery riders in mind. Its latest model, Storm-2, has all the features you need to become a successful bike courier.

This includes a range of 85 miles per charge, a speed of up to 25 miles, and a weight capacity of 300 lbs.

And if you’re wondering is being a bike courier worth it, don’t worry about upright costs.

Whizz allows you to rent a bike at a starting price of $139 per month (with a promo code WOW)!

All you need to do is rent a proper e-bike, apply to become a bike courier at some of the largest delivery companies such as Uber Eats or Grubhub, and start earning money!

Read more about Doordash and Uber Eats

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