Is DoorDash worth it

DoorDash is probably one of the most renowned gig economy platforms, guaranteeing flexible working hours for their delivery drivers. 

For users who ride e-bikes, the platform is even more appealing, considering that targeting urban areas and short-distance deliveries has already been considered. 

As e-bikes started gaining traction within the urban landscape, many find it quite convenient to blend earning potential with eco-friendly transportation using DoorDash. 

But, after taxes, maintenance, and other expenses, is DoorDash worth it? Is this the right company to make it worth your time and effort as an e-bike delivery rider? 

Whizz is here to help you out! Here’s what you need to know before making a final decision:

How DoorDash works

DoorDash is a food delivery company that connects customers with restaurants and riders.

The process of getting on board for the first time is relatively simple: sign up, undergo a background check, and you are off to receiving orders via an app. 

Once you're signed up, you'll get delivery requests, which you can accept or decline based on the distance, payout, and convenience.

For e-bike riders, DoorDash offers some real advantages. For one thing, urban deliveries tend to be shorter distances, which makes them well-suited for e-bikes. 

Riders can also avoid many of the parking hassles that drivers have to deal with, which saves time and frustration. Plus, traveling through city traffic on an e-bike is often faster, especially during rush hour.

Earnings potential

One of the most frequent questions a future rider asks is: How much can you make with DoorDash? 

Your earnings will be based on base pay, tips, and bonuses. Base pay can range from $2 to $10 per order, depending on the distance and desirability. 

As DoorDash is typically a side job, but sometimes it can be full-time as well.  However, we could say that a typical Dasher works 4 hours weekly.

Tips add a lot to the earnings, and peak pay bonuses during busy hours or bad weather increase payouts.

On the other hand, income can be variable and heavily rely on demand, location, and how many hours you are willing to put in. You have to weigh decent pay against all these fluctuations.

Costs and investments

Expenses of working on DoorDash vary depending on the type of transportation involved, and knowledge of these expenses is vital for proper management of the earnings. 

Cars and scooters involve costs like fueling and maintenance that you’ll have to pay out of pocket. In fact, after gas expenses, you might find out that you don’t have that much money left.

That’s why e-bikes are some of the most popular forms of transportation to make deliveries for DoorDash. 

With the best e-bike for delivery, you will not have to pay fuel or parking fees. 

The e-bike Dasher does have several other monetary considerations, though. 

These include: 

• The initial investment in a good bike for delivery 
• Periodic maintenance to keep it safe and efficient
• Additional gear to optimize performance and comfort on the job

A rider who is clear about the probable expenses can make much better choices about his delivery options. Here's a deeper view into what one should expect as an e-bike rider:

• Initial investment: An e-bike can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. In that respect, full-featured, high-quality models for delivery riders, like the Storm-2 by Whizz, with a top speed of 25 mph and an 85-mile range per single charge, are totally worth the investment.
• Routine maintenance: This consists of new tires, brake adjustments, and periodic servicing of the battery. At the very least, one should budget around $200-400 per year for these costs.
• Other accessories and equipment: Other things that will cost include a good lock, a decent phone mount, weather-proof gear, and, if one chooses to do so, insurance for the bike. These things, though important for safety and efficiency, also tend to be costly.

While the initial costs are somewhat high, the long-term savings from fuel and parking make this option extremely cost-effective.

Flexibility and schedule control

Another thing that might let you decide whether DoorDash is worth it is job flexibility. 

Undeniably, one of the coolest things about working with DoorDash is that you can work part-time, full-time, or at any time. 

This is really good for students, part-timers, or others wanting extra income but without committing to fixed times.

Special challenges arise for the e-bike riders: the elements can be harsh, such as in the cooler months or on days of heavy rain, which will make riding uncomfortable and unsafe. 

Then, of course, there is the issue of fatigue: hours and hours on a bike do take a certain amount of physical stamina, particularly with heavier orders. 

Finally, there is the limit of distance that restricts you to the areas of high order density, usually in the center of cities, but can nevertheless require some strategic planning to optimize both your time and routes.

Fortunately, the flexibility normally drowns these issues out for the majority of the riders: to be able to choose when you want to work and for how long, all of the aforementioned problems become very easy to handle.

Tips for success on DoorDash with an e-bike

As you could see, it is not only possible but rather recommended to Dash on an e-bike. A transportation method can greatly increase the chances of profiting while working on this job.

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you increase your earnings while working for DoorDash:

• Route optimization: Using applications such as Google Maps to find the shortest routes and avoid congested areas.
• Smart scheduling: Focus on peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, when demand is highest. 
• Equipment maintenance: Regularly check your e-bike for issues and keep it in top condition to avoid breakdowns during deliveries.
• Keep safe: Reflective clothes, lights on the bike, and following traffic rules are some of the precautionary measures while biking on the road.

Related: How to Doordash for the first time

Conclusion

So, is DoorDash worth it for e-bike riders? It all depends on one's goals and their situation. 

For individuals who value their independence as gig workers, possess an ebike, and are ready to overcome the challenges of urban delivery, DoorDash presents an exceptional opportunity. 

In addition, with very low overheads and time optimization during peak demand, e-bike riders stand the best chance at being very successful.

Theoretically, it is even possible to earn $100,000 a year while dashing, but only on a proper vehicle.

You might find such a vehicle at Whizz, a company specializing in creating electric bikes dedicated to the needs of the courier. Its impressive speed and range make it a great option for those who want more.

With a proper electric bike, dashing can be a profitable business or simply a great way to earn that extra money.

Contact Whizz and start earning money today!

‍