Hey, Bike Delivery Riders! How To Get Started and Keep A Good Rating!

Zygg is always looking for ways to support our enthusiastic ebike food delivery riders and welcome new ones to our team! Check out how Zygg Subscription Ebikes for Delivery works, and scope out the fabulous ebike models on offer for commercial riders in Toronto and Vancouver!

If you are not yet signed up with a food delivery partner, here are the direct links for the main ones in both cities to get you started. There are many opportunities right now, especially with Zygg’s new enterprise partners Tiggy and Goodfood!

Each delivery app. has their own “rating” system which varies in formula of how they come up with your score. What is universal with all programs is that ratings are based on your overall performance and how you interact with customers. If you want to be considered for more orders you must keep your rating high. 


Uber Eats, for example, does not like your rating to drop below 80% stars. You will not get many deliveries, and if your rating drops even further, you may even be kicked off the app.

What is your “rating”? Just click the menu icon in the upper left corner, click your profile photo and then select the average rating under your name for more details. This is the number you should be focused on and want to keep as high as possible. They have assembled some helpful info and pointers to help you improve your rating on their site.

Your conversion rate, together with your general performance metrics (like your acceptance rate, online ratio, order prep times, etc.) are used by SkipTheDishes to create your Skip Score. App users can filter by Skip score, so the higher your score, the higher your ranking will be.

Los Angeles-based Bike Food Delivery driver “William” (aka “Wilcer”) has created a ride-along video with rolling commentary of his Top 12 Tips to Boost Your Rating and Earn More Tips! Wilcer knows his stuff! He completed more than 5,000 bike deliveries in his first 3 years. He juggles multiple apps, and posts highly entertaining videos of his experiences for his 10,000 YouTube subscribers. Watch his video for insider recommendations, and lots of laughs, but not while you are cycling! The extra comments on the link from viewers contain bonus tips, as well. 

Zygg has summarized the highlights:

  1. When you are picking up the order, before you leave, double-check that all items are there, matched with your screen order. Count them out. Don’t forget drinks, utensils, napkins, and, if the customer has put notes on the order, (like extra BBQ sauce etc.) fill them if you can.

  2. Make sure you secure all items to prevent spills and stop things moving around in your backpack. Carry scotch tape to secure lids, straws and to close boxes / containers (esp. soup). Use a thermal backpack that keeps things hot and cold, in a size that you can handle - the right size for your expected orders and with good organization. Some have dividers and cup holders. Carry extra clothing or a towel to secure items, as well.

  3. Backpacks are better than baskets (front or back) as you have better control on bumpy roads to keep things in place. Also ride smoothly and with caution, to treat your delivery with care. Stand in the saddle, using your legs as suspension, to smooth out bumps, curbs and potholes.

  4. Make sure you are communicating with your customer: bluetooth, headphones, wireless buds are good… keep phone on a strap or attached to the bike to keep your hands free (quad-locks are good, if the right size for your model of phone). Have a set up where you can use your phone at ease and contact the customer when you need to (with one bud on and one off so you don’t miss notifications and can hear the road). Let them know about substitutions and what they may want if something is sold out.

  5. Give the customer a heads’ up that you are about to arrive, (2-3 mins in advance) especially for those that want to meet you outside or places with multiple entrances.

  6. When you are delivering, don’t take food out of the backpack when you arrive, or are in the elevator or alone in the lobby. Wait until the customer is in front of you to keep food and drinks at their best temperature. This also shows the customer that you are considerate and thoughtful.

  7. Be friendly, nice, and positive, but don’t try to force a conversation. Only engage in chit-chat if they do.

  8. Be grateful for their business. You likely will get repeat orders, if you stick to a specific area, so your tips may grow over time as they get to know you.

  9. Be fast and efficient (this may take time); get to know the area, the restaurants, places to park, various buildings, and routes. Use navigation, but also, find your own shortcuts not on gps. 

  10. Always look to improve by riding smart, safe and not fast. Be prepared. Simplify your process by not having too many gadgets and attachments that take too much time when locking things up.  (* The good news is: all Zygg e-bikes have integrated lights and great locking systems, so you are streamlined, that way.)

  11. Always try to look “OK”: clean, neat. Even carry a towel to wipe hands or brow and  dress properly for the weather so you are cool, warm, and dry.

  12. If you see your rating dip or if you did not have the chance to interact with the customer, send them a short text letting them know that : “Ratings are appreciated… Have a nice day / night” Use some fun emojis! They work!

Wilcer’s has several videos to explore on his YouTube Channel, including how to become an expert packer. They’re really great.

One note of caution: Don’t sidewalk-surf, like he does -  this is not a cool thing to do on your ebike in Toronto and Vancouver! 

Be safe! Now go get those tips!

Awesome Vancouver Bike Rides - Beauty, eh?

The warmer weather is on the horizon, (finally!) Now’s the time to start planning outdoor activities for the spring. What better way to take in some fresh British Columbia air and breathtaking sites than by venturing by ebike?

  • Sunset Beach - False Creek - Kitsilano Beach 

If you want to enjoy Vancouver’s spectacular beaches and urban waterfront attractions, this is a good route for you. Start at Sunset Beach on English Bay, and continue along the path which loops around False Creek. Here you will find a number of museums including Science World and Vancouver Maritime Museum. Enjoy some great eats on Granville Island - a favourite destination for foodies. The place is chock full of cafes and the world-renowned Granville Public Market. Stuff your panniers & backpacks with delectable, diverse fare. Zygg is partial to Lee’s Donuts, Duso’s Italian Foods, Hobb’s Pickles, and The Milkman. Check out their directory of vendors. End your ride at Kitsilano Beach for seaside activities and a saltwater pool in milder weather.

  • Queen Elizabeth Park - VanDusen Botanical Gardens

For a short ride through lush beauty, take the Ontario Street or Midtown/Ridgeway bike route to Queen’s Elizabeth Park, home of an arboretum & the Bloedel Conservatory

Pedal west along 37th Avenue to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens - open year round - which has rare species from around the world as part of their evolving collection. This is also a perfect habitat for various wildlife, including birds, bees, fish, turtles, coyotes & squirrels.

  • Central Valley Greenway

Since you are on an ebike, why not go for a long trek? The Central Valley Greenway is a fantastic, 24 km route, connecting downtown Vancouver with Burnaby and Westminster. If you start at False Creek near Science World, circle down to Commercial Drive, and explore some “sporty” stuff around Trout Lake / John Hendry Park. There is a small, fresh water lake for swimming, sports fields and lots of areas to picnic.

You can then continue onwards to Burnaby and Westminster. Study the region’s cycling maps and list of things to do once there, including a professional rowing community, equestrian pavilion and lots of cafes and fresh markets.  

  • Jericho Beach - UBC - Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Jericho Beach is the perfect point of departure for vibrant discovery. Hang out on sand dunes as you enjoy your morning coffee. Watch the dozens of sailing vessels and kite-surfers enliven English Bay. Continue along the shoreline all the way to University of British Columbia to engage in many enlightening experiences, including: The Museum of Anthropology, and The Pacific Museum of Earth. Make sure to spend some time on the thrilling Greenheart Treewalk and at The Niobe Memorial Gardens. End the perfect day by exploring the enchanting forests of The Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

  • Stanley Park

Perhaps too large to tackle in one afternoon, Stanley Park is the go-to destination for outdoor adventure amongst Vancouverites and tourists, alike. Your Zygg ebike will make your trek along the 10 km paved path along the Stanley Park Seawall, a breeze. If you want to test out your e-bike’s power, speed things up on the bike trails through the park, cycling by the rose garden, the Vancouver Rowing Club and Lost Lagoon. 

These are simply a few highlights to get you inspired. Plot your own cycling journey with the help of this handy Vancouver Bike Trail Network Map.

Tag #VancouverByBike on social media with details of your fab Vancouver biking trips! See you this spring!

Save Some $$$ - Tax Deductions For Bike Delivery Riders  

Zygg knows that ebike delivery riders work tirelessly through all seasons - in the rain, hot sun, wind and snow. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make back some of that hard-earned cash on this year’s Canadian Income Tax? Zygg has some welcome information and links for you:

For tax purposes, you can deduct your expenses, including bike rental, accessories, AND some money for food. For example, Foot and Bike / Ebike Couriers can deduct $2.88/hour of work for extra food. Food and water are considered to be “fuel”, so it is treated as such.

The details of what is eligible for deductions can be found here at the Canada Revenue site.

Here is some more key information for you: 

Self-employed foot and bicycle couriers and rickshaw drivers can deduct the cost of the extra food and beverages they must consume in a normal working day (8 hours) because of the nature of their work.

The daily flat rate that can be claimed is $23.

If you are claiming this deduction, you should be prepared to provide logbooks showing the days worked and the hours worked on each of these days during the tax year. The CRA may also ask for dispatch slips or other documents to support the days worked during the tax year.

If you want to claim more than the flat-rate amount, the CRA will also need all the following items:

  • supporting receipts for all food and beverages claimed

  • a document that clearly shows the extra amount of food and beverages required because of the nature of your work, and how this amount exceeds what the average person would consume in terms of both cost and quantity

If you choose to file your Canadian taxes as a bike delivery rider via an online Tax Software Platform, you should file as a “self-employed” worker. In that category, programs like TurboTax can answer questions and even guide you through your allowable deductions! Read their forum on Bike Delivery Deductions. Revenue Canada’s online filing system will also assist you in this process, however, you must set up an online profile & account with Revenue Canada first. 

If you are new to Canada, Revenue Canada offers extra support for newcomers. They will even direct you to a free tax filing clinic in your community. 

To access the necessary information from Zygg about your ebike subscription, including dates and amounts paid, here are the correct steps to take: 

  • Under  the tab “ORDERS” you will see all your previous orders from Zygg ebikes. 

  • You would have also received an email from Zygg each time an order went through.

If you still require help, don’t be shy. There are many resources available to you, including from the Toronto Public Library system. Check out who is here to help, from The City of Toronto Site.

For Vancouverites who may be joining the Zygg Ebike delivery community, soon: if you need help with your 2021 taxes, there is a similar program via The Vancouver Public Library system.

Remember, if you can make it through this winter on a bike, you will find “Tax Season” to be a breeze!