What’s the Best Style of Vehicle for Food Delivery Drivers?

Food delivery has become a staple in the on-demand industry, with companies like Doordash, Caviar, and Postmates leading the way.

To keep up with the increasing number of customers, more drivers are hitting the streets. Unlike rideshare however, food delivery drivers have a wider range of vehicle choices available to them. But, how do you figure out which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll take a closer at the vehicle options for food delivery as well as the requirements of the top delivery services. Keep reading to figure out the best style for your needs.

The Most Common Types of Food Delivery Vehicles

When making your vehicle decision, you need to consider a variety of factors. These items include the layout of your city and the service area. For instance, while a 5-mile ride on a bike isn’t too bad, pedaling for 10 or 15 miles in one direction might be too overwhelming. Consider these factors as you learn about each option.

The most common types of food delivery vehicle fall into four categories:

• Car
• Bike
• Moped or motorcycle
• Electric Scooter

Car, Truck, or SUV

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are all acceptable options for food delivery. Even two-seater options provide plenty of room to safely store and transport food. The benefit of a cabin also means you won’t be constantly exposed to the elements, like wind and rain.

However, delivery drivers put a lot of miles on their vehicle. As a result, you should expect to take fuel, maintenance, and repair costs out of your delivery earnings.

The bonus of a using a car is that you can handle larger orders. This can come in handy for large corporate orders you may get driving for Caviar or Doordash, or larger grocery store orders that you may get on Instacart.

Bicycle

A traditional bicycle is a popular choice for many delivery drivers. While this type of vehicle still has to follow the rules of the road, it makes getting through busy areas easier. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the time it takes to find car parking for pick-ups and delivery.

Since electric bicycles are becoming more readily available, they’re becoming a common choice for many couriers as well. With the boost of electric power, you have the ability to reduce your travel time and make more deliveries.

Moped or Motorcycle

Mopeds are a fantastic vehicle for food delivery, and the second most popular choice for delivery drivers, behind cars. They’re usually more comfortable and roomier than bicycles. They’re also easy to attach a food satchel, which keeps food warm or cool and out of the sun. Most mopeds run on batteries and require little upkeep, so you won’t have to pay for fuel and or high maintenance costs.

Actual motorcycles typically have larger engines and higher speed capabilities than mopeds. With this option, you can make better time by taking highways and interstates. However, there are also driver restrictions, like licensing and insurance.

Electric Scooters

Old-school, two-wheel, scooters have made a comeback in recent years, with one difference. They’re now electric. As a result, they’ve also become a popular transportation choice for delivery drivers. The biggest perk of using an electric scooter is the size. Not only are they incredibly lightweight, but many models fold up as well. These qualities help make deliveries more convenient, as drivers are able to take their vehicle into restaurants, on elevators, and right up to customers’ doors. The most popular model is the GOTRAX GXL.

 

 

Food Delivery Company Restrictions & Qualifications

Aside from your personal preferences, you also need to consider the company you want to partner with. Many people choose to work with multiple food delivery services so they have plenty of money-making opportunities. Regardless of the number of companies you partner with, it’s important that you choose a vehicle that matches each service’s requirements.

Here’s a look at the top options. All of these options offer a sign up bonus or guarantee in most markets. To be eligible, simply click one of the “Join” buttons below to start your application.

DoorDash Vehicle Requirements

DoorDash is one of the most popular food delivery services and currently operates in nearly 2,000 markets. The company accepts Dasher applicants with any style and age of the car, whether it’s a two- or four-door model. This specification also includes trucks and SUVs. However, in some markets, DoorDash also allows drivers to use bicycles, electric scooters, and motorcycles. In a few select markets, you can even complete deliveries on foot. Check your market for specifics.

 

 

Caviar Vehicle Requirements

Caviar is another top food delivery service, specializing in higher end restaurants. Caviar offers a wide range of vehicle options. Couriers can utilize traditional four- or two-wheel vehicles, including bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. For cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles, the vehicle needs official registration and the minimum insurance coverage required by your state. Like DoorDash, Caviar only delivers food orders, so any of the vehicle options are likely to work well.

 

 

Postmates Vehicle Requirements

Postmates drivers often provide food delivery, but their services also include delivery of products from other types of local businesses. The company allows the full spectrum of vehicles in its fleet, from cars and trucks to bicycles and mopeds. But, you also have the option to ride electric variations of scooters and bicycles.

Postmates has also now started offering a vehicle assistance program to their delivery drivers. Instead of car rentals, like many rideshare companies, members of their fleet have the option to rent an electric scooter or bicycle from GenZe. Currently, this program is only offered in select markets.

While many customers utilize Postmates for food delivery, you’re likely to end up also delivering things like office supplies. The wider market is great for business because it provides more delivery opportunities. However, the potential weight of non-food orders may make delivery on a traditional bicycle or scooter a struggle. As a result, it’s best to utilize a car or electric two-wheel mode of transportation for Postmates.

 

 

 

Uber Eats Vehicle Requirements

Uber Eats is Uber’s food delivery service. In the majority of cities, the company allows drivers to utilize cars as well as bicycles and mopeds. However, each style has its own requirements.

Uber Eats Car Requirements

• Vehicle 20 years old or newer.
• Driver must be at least 19 years old.

Uber Eats Bicycle Requirements

• Riders 18 years and older accepted.

Uber Eats Scooter Requirements

• Rider needs to be at least 19 years old.
• No three- or four-wheel models accepted.
• Maximum speeds of 30 mph.
• Motor needs to be 50cc or less.

Uber designed their food delivery service to allow its rideshare drivers to participate in between services. As a result, Uber drivers can accept delivery and ride requests at the same time. However, if you would like to make money from both services, you’ll need to utilize a car or SUV that meets the stricter Uber rideshare requirements.

 

 

Which Style of Food Delivery Vehicle Is Right for You?

Choosing the right vehicle style involves considering a variety of factors. However, most of the companies allow drivers to switch vehicles. So, if you start with a car and want to move to a moped, it shouldn’t be a big issue. If you’re interested in learning more about individual delivery services, check out our pages on being a Doordash or Caviar driver.