For the past 2 years, Zygg Subscription ebikes have been a popular choice with Bike Food Delivery Riders in Toronto. Food delivery via e-bike allows you to go faster & further & take on more orders over more hours, without the sweat. Now with Zygg Vancouver up and running, we want future Bike Food Delivery Riders in both cities to feel welcome, especially International Students and New Canadians. Zygg is here to help.
Delivery by ebike is an excellent option for students. It allows you to choose your hours, fit work within your own busy schedule, earn a good wage, get some exercise and have fun exploring your new city. Is it the right gig for you? Are you eligible to work in Canada? Zygg wants to answer some of your main questions, reveal some expectations and share key links to get you started:
Are You Eligible To Work In Canada?
All of the main food delivery partners and employers like Skip The Dishes, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Fantuan, and the more independent ones like GoodFood or Ninja, require that you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Once you sign up, you will also need to upload a legal photo of yourself for I.D. onto your profile and make sure that you do not need sponsorship. If you are an International Student, there may be rules and restrictions for the hours you are able to work. Check out the Government of Canada website for details of working on and off campus, and after graduation.
For example, while on a student VISA in Canada, you are only permitted to work a total of 20 hours per week during the semester. You are permitted to work longer hours during summer break, so if you sign up to deliver by bike this summer, you can earn lots more money! All of the main delivery programs/apps pay you directly into your bank account, not by cash, so your hours and earnings can be traced by your SIN. You will also need to pay taxes, the following year after you have worked. (As in, if you worked in Canada during the summer of 2022, you will need to file your taxes as a “Self Employed” person in the spring of 2023). The good news is that some of your expenses, like bike costs, subscription fees and accessories, as well as part of your food costs while you are working, may be deducted from your taxes. Zygg recently put together resources to help you get through the tax process.
How Much Money Can I Earn As A Bike Delivery Rider?
Depending on what program you sign up with (and some people sign up for more than one), there are different pay structures. You should check out each program’s fee structure, how they calculate your earnings, and how you collect bonus or premium fees & tips. You can expect to earn between $16 - $25 an hour in Toronto and Vancouver, with the average being between $17- $22. Below, we have put together a list of links for several food delivery companies, which include details of those fees or minimum starting pay. Some even provide uniforms, bikes, bags, or the option to rent an e-bike or bag through the company.
Here is a forum on how much money you can expect as an Uber bike delivery rider in Canada.
How To Get Signed Up
Every city has its own food delivery partners. Here are the main ones to consider if you are looking to become a bike food delivery rider in the Toronto and Vancouver area. In order to choose which one is best suited for you, get to know each service & their requirements (minimum age, smartphone apps, pay structure, levels of experience) so you know what to expect. A direct link is provided with these details and how to sign up.
Also, check out any online Student Groups or Forums to help you through the steps, like this one on How To Sign Up As An Uber Driver/Rider In Canada.
What are the different delivery apps?
Fantuan, Vancouver & Toronto is a popular food delivery company which specialises in Asian food and grocery delivery. Many International Students like this company as their app is in both Chinese and English. They even advertise that you can make $200 / day (through hard work, lots of good orders, premium benefits and additional charges!) Check out their Frequently Asked Questions page to guide you through the process, then the Registration Portal if you qualify and are interested in this unique company.
Ninja, Toronto is a grocery delivery service which supplies the ebike and pays you for packing and waiting time. They hire fit, confident riders. They are known for their 10 minute delivery time.
Goodfood, Toronto lets you sign up with your own bike, or you can rent an ebike from them. Since they are a grocery delivery company, they require that you can lift 30 lbs. Having a “smart-serve” certificate, which allows you to deliver/serve alcohol, is a plus.
Get Yourself a Good Bike!
You will need a safe, reliable and well-functioning bike.The great thing about a Zygg Ebike Subscription: you do not need to buy an expensive ebike, you pay as you go, and Zygg keeps your bike in top condition. In both Toronto & Vancouver, there are presently three models of ebikes dedicated to delivery riders. All the ebikes have a long range (battery charge), lots of gears, several levels of pedal-assist/power, and have integrated lights & a good locking system.
Get Yourself a Bag!
You will need a good-sized, professional thermal food bag. You can buy your own, however, some companies either provide bags on loan or for purchase. Zygg delivery riders tested a selection of custom Zygg Food Delivery Bags earlier this year. The most important features requested were: “ A strong, durable, sizable bag; padded straps for comfort; a way of carrying the bag by hand, and also the ability to attach to the rear bike rack; and, reflective strips for visibility.
* The custom Zygg delivery bag is currently sold out.
Get Yourself A Helmet:
Not only is wearing a proper bike helmet the safe thing to, it is also the law when riding an ebike in Toronto. In Vancouver, if you don’t wear one on any style bike, you can get a $29 fine, each time. You can purchase one directly through Zygg when you pick up (or they deliver to you) your ebike.
Zygg compiled a great list of pointers on how to keep a good rating as a bike delivery rider and how to earn more money through more orders & tips.
Book an appointment for a test-ride in our convenient Toronto and Vancouver locations. We’ll get you all set up! Zygg cannot wait to see you out on the road this summer.