Get yourself a bike and make sure it is in good working order, including a bell or horn, reflectors, and front & rear lights for when you are riding in the dark or in poor weather.
Better yet, “rent” an electric bike from Zygg and you will have your own ebike at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Zygg Electric Bike Subscription for “Commercial” riders is a custom plan for food delivery drivers, providing you with a great e-bike in top condition. Each bike includes a battery with a good range (or a double battery with an even longer range), built-in lights & other safety features, and an awesome locking system. With all Zygg e-bike subscriptions, repairs and maintenance are included. Zygg can also do a swap-out for another bike, if needed.
Get yourself a helmet (a requirement in Toronto for all ebike riders), and other gear which will help you throughout your work day: a reusable water/drink bottle, comfortable shoes, rain gear, breathable layers of clothes for summer, and a weather-proof jacket for cooler temperatures. There are dozens of local bike stores in Toronto to kit you up. Zygg has quality helmets to purchase if you need one.
Don’t forget the thermal delivery bag. These come in various sizes, depending on what is comfortable and easy to handle, and what type of deliveries you may most want to attempt. There are even some that allow you to stack several large pizza boxes! Most are “back-packs”, however, some can fit right on the rear rack of your bike - like with the Zygg model Q electric bikes - which have become very popular with ebike food delivery drivers in Toronto.
Talk to your friends who may already be delivery riders for their inside scoop. Research the various food delivery companies (such as Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes, DoorDash…) and see which company is best suited for you. Each company has their own rules, (minimum riding age, mobile phone with cellular service/ data preferences), and their own app with different payment structures and booking methods. Make sure you are familiar with the app’s fee structures and ordering interface. It will affect the amount of money you can make and how you choose your orders. Can you book your own, flexible hours? Do you need to make a schedule in advance? Look closely at their wage formulas: like the amount you will earn for pick up & for delivery, rate/km, what percentage the company deducts from you, and if there is automatic tipping or tipping on the side after delivery.
Most apps allow you to accept or decline orders, so you can choose which ones are closest to you, have the easiest pick up & drop off distance, or ones that may be multiple pick ups from the same business. The great thing about having a Zygg electric bike for food delivery is that you don’t have to worry about those dreaded hills, far away locations, or long hours. You will be less tired and able to do more in less time. $$$$$
Although most food delivery apps come with a mapping or routing program built in, get to know your city and its neighbourhoods really well on your own. Often the suggested route on your device is NOT the best, fastest, or safest route for cyclists.
Be prompt, professional and kind with food service/ restaurant personnel: just like you, things can get stressful. Be pleasant with your drop off customer, especially making sure if there are special directions, or instructions that are on their file, like curbside pick-up or a particular unit number. All of these details will save you time. Attention to them may lead to a well-deserved tip.
And most important: be courteous to your fellow car, bus, truck drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, alike. Share the road.
