I have a been doing Doordash in Downtown Vancouver, Canada on bicycle for awhile now. Here's a couple takeaways;


Your questions;

-The delivery distances are generally shorter, usually less than <3 miles (<4.82km), however you can and will be bounced from pretty deep in the West End (Nando's and Juke for example) on Davie out of the Downtown zone to Canada Post over by Commercial & East Hastings. Another one is delivering from Downtown to somewhere around South Granville or Shaughnessy, you either have to suck it up and go over the Granville bridge directly or take a more circuitous route.

-Per delivery payment is the same, however in my experience compared to a car or a scooter / motorcycle you will get up to 40%~ less orders on average. You'll also get way less stacked orders and I think there's a hard limit of two (2) at a time for anything without a motor.

-I don't believe you need to open a second Dasher account, I thought you could talk with the gentleman at the Dowtown office and they can just switch your vehicle type around. Doesn't hurt to ask them, even if they are pretty overworked most of the time.


General comments;
-E-Bikes are pretty nice, however doing deliveries on a bicycle are a pretty fundamental lifestyle change from doing it with a car. If you can afford the inconvenience I would try doing a handful of deliveries first on a normal bike before you commit a not insignificant amount of money to a good E-Bike and everything that entails.

-Invest in a good lock, anti-tamper system (Pinhead for example) and register the bike you do buy with garage 529 at any local community police centre. Bike theft is unfortunately a chronic issue in Vancouver and its not going to change - Take reasonable steps to protect your property.

-Consider getting a rear or front rack that can handle a caddy for drinks. It might not be perfect, but the algorithm with sadistic pleasure will send you on coffee runs to Waves with alarming regularity during 7am - 12pm. Otherwise you'll probably need to decline those orders as without at least a cardboard drink handler to put in your thermal bag it's a gamble if those drinks make it intact.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/

-Cycling in traffic is dangerous, don't ever forget it, always remain focused and try to mentally route yourself along streets like Hornby, Union, E Pender and Haro whenever possible to minimize your exposure to serious traffic.

-Generally your overall margins are higher due to not having to pay insurance, gas, parking and basic maintenance you will need to learn yourself. But your total revenues will be much lower, whether that trade off is worth it is up to you.

I wish you the best of luck out there, stay safe.

1. I wear ear plugs when I need to get on the freeway, otherwise my bike is pretty darn quiet.
   
2. I bought some Fieldsheer leather gloves that were supposedly touch screen compatible but our lie detectors have determined that was a lie. I remember seeing some kind of sticker you can put on your glove to make it work, maybe I'll try that.
   
3. I've got something similar. I really don't like ram mount products.
   
4. Check
   
5. Czech
   
6. I've got a drop down sun visor in my helmet, and a yellow pinlock.
   
7. There is some reflective material on it already, but it's on my to do list to add more.
   
8. Not sure what that is but I've never had a problem with SFPD, they got more important shit to worry about.
   
9. That's a good idea! there is this thin wax we use in the laboratory that might work better.
   
10. Not needed for my bike
    
11. Not certain how I would carry that and the backpack, but not a bad idea.
    
12. First bike I bought that had no factory tool aside from a wrench to adjust the spring preload for rear shock. Tools aren't really needed for this bike anyhow.
    
13. I've got a bunch at home, not sure how they would be applicable for deliveries.
    
14. Couldn't hurt to pack I guess.
    
15. This is the bag I got: https://www.amazon.com/Delivery-Backpack-Centimeter-Thermal-Insulated/dp/B07T99HNM1/ref=pd_sbs_201_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07T99HNM1&pd_rd_r=f0fc9a28-6519-4fb2-9876-f3df2eb23ff2&pd_rd_w=XYwmA&pd_rd_wg=2cSbi&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=G5REDBGD0VK441CCSQAG&psc=1&refRID=G5REDBGD0VK441CCSQAG
    
16. Hhhmmm... I don't know where I can put all this stuff
    
17. pinloc
    
18. I've never had waterproof gear that was actually waterproof. I usually just get xxl rain coat to use over my gear.
    
19. Been a shade tree mechanic for years and was even on a AMA race team pit crew. I'm handy with a wrench but this bike needs very little.
    
20. T6 is awesome but this bike cant use it. I've got an Energica Eva if you're curious.
    
21. I can not own a gun.
    
22. Good suggestion, I'll take any excuse to buy a new flashlight.
    
23. You're right, Klim is expensive. My medical coverage is pretty good ATM. Fingers crossed I don't have to use it.
    
    Thanks for your reply

I just got this one, it's a magnetic mount but it's really strong and it clips onto my vents pretty well. The only thing I dont like is that you cant tilt your phone but luckily my vent is in a nice spot. the second link is one i found after, you can tighten the clip on that one and tilt your phone which is nice.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-WizGear-Universal-Swift-Snap-Technology/dp/B01G0X56YU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1539376284&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=wizgear+magnetic+mount&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Magnetic-Rotation-Compatible-Smartphones/dp/B07CNCHVM6/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1539376366&sr=1-3&keywords=NULAXY+VENT+MOUNT

If you decide to add other apps I like to use Favor's bag for other deliveries. Larger, can stretch, the material looks better and best of all, it has a shoulder strap as well and that makes deliveries so much easier.

If you don't want to work Favor, that's also understandable. I found some bags on Amazon:

• these are a little bit larger, probably twice the size of Doordash's bags. They fit most standard bags fine, but larger carry outs that cant be placed sideways may be a problem. No shoulder strap though :/ I personally use two of these.
  
• This one looks good for the 20 inch pizzas, if it was maybe $20 I would consider getting one but $30 is a little pricey for me. Peeps will have to settle for the boxes it comes in for now I guess.
  
  I honestly don't know why it's so damn hard to find a bag sold commercially with a shoulder strap. I guess you could buy another bag and if you have some sowing skills add a strap yourself. Would anyone else be interested in something like this? Shoot, maybe I should start up my own business, selling gear for DD or other drivers that they won't sell :)
  
  Edit: I found a $23 22 inch carrier for pizzas! Beeeeeeet! As for shoulder straps just buy a replacement one and DIY it like I mentioned :)

I've got a Honda 919 (hence the name :D). Naked standard with a retro 'hoodlum' look. I got a nice size tank bag that holds the CamelBac backpak and other stuff.

They are kinda like these: https://www.amazon.com/Cortech-8230-0305-36-Black-Super-Saddlebag/dp/B008Q5J6UG

But bigger and square shaped. The outer part of them expand with a zipper to about 2X the size. If you put a bracket between them, below the seat where the rear fender would be, they can handle some pretty good weight. I lock mine under the seat and have a net and straps in case things are larger.

What I want now, is a fold down cloth bag that has rigid foam that folds out to cover the rear seat and attaches to the bags, for things like pizzas and larger orders.

Basically if you look at a truck organizer, but with rigid foam board for the side and have it break down for storage.

Like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Collapsible-Folding-Trunk-Organizer-Caddy-Car-Auto-Truck-Storage-Bin-Bag-New/107440840?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=709&adid=22222222227042534523&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=107048086637&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-172685740638&wl5=9032530&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112343202&wl11=online&wl12=107440840&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiA7vTiBRAqEiwA4NTO67bl_-NI_2bkPKGVcqfSdeBWjlj5e9VwqcxFAD3_xZcaUMIjvy6bahoC4z8QAvD_BwE

But smaller and add some foam sides and straps.

Here's the deal. It costs me about $0.08/mile or so to ride for gas. We get $0.58/mile for tax write off for regular maint. So far, it looks like most of my earnings are tax free, meaning (if I understand it correctly) I have about as much write offs as I have earnings. So the game is, best MPG you can get and most orders in the least time you can get.

If you get to $15/hr after taxes, account for gas, etc... You're close to maybe the $20 gross earnings range. Meanwhile, I'm riding around listening to music and getting food for people... Laughing at people stuck in traffic :D

Get a super bright led flashlight. I use the one below! Really helps a lot! It’s rechargeable and pretty tough!

Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight, Rechargeable (18650 Battery Included), Zoomable, IP65 Water-Resistant, 900 Lumens CREE LED, 5 Light Modes for Camping and Hiking, Bolder LC90 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KH2JP5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x9t7CbN00RB03

I paired this https://www.therestaurantstore.com/items/231065 with this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . The caddie fits perfectly and you can put cold packs underneath. This caddie can only effectively hold large drinks, however. But I find it still useful for most drinks and any items that need to be cold like salads, etc.

Splurge a little bit $21 on Amazon (including shipping) I've been using it for a few months now and love it. If course there are a few mom and pop joints here partnered with UberEats that I regularly get orders from, so it's really worth it to me. Plus once in a while I like to bring home some pizza for myself too, and you'd better believe I use the bag for that. :D You'll also look a lot more professional for when the pay model switches and tips really matter.

Drink Carrier and Food Delivery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q6F636Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’ve been using this. The insulation is great. Carries up to nine drinks of any size. They fit very snuggly. The drink holders are removable so you can carry food and drink in the same bag. I love this because I can deliver their entire order without having to carry any drinks. A bit pricey, but I love it.

I invested in a pizza bag and a better food bag. Between them, I can take almost everything and both restaurants and customers really appreciate them.

New Star 50097 Insulated Pizza Delivery Bag, 20 by 20 by 5-Inch, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LOZKWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-.EEBbKZ59GD8

And

Winco BGDV-12 Delivery Bag, 12-Inch by 12-Inch by 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UBBCLA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2aFEBbP2DK7Q1

There's a lot of people on here that think spending your own money on stuff like this is a waste, but to me it's more professional. The pizza bag is great for everything also. Asian restaurants most of the time have them in boxes and you can just slide them in. If you get a larger bag, you can stand the pizza one on end and keep them warm. Cheap and multi use. Oh, it also carries pizzas. Two or three stacked high.


If you signed up for more then one gig, you should have multiple bags and can just use them too. Walmart has some cheap big thermal bags also.

Use the hotbag to prevent your car smelling like delicious food you aren't allowed to eat. Make sure the customer always sees the food coming out of the hotbag to get your 5 stars.

And use something like this to keep drinks stable. Put the carrier in the backseat and buckle it up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/

I thought about getting one of those drink bags, but my concern was the lack of a cup holder in there, I'm assuming that if I have less than four drinks, I'd have to worry about them falling over.



As I mentioned in another reply, I use this cupholder although it's a bit wobbly because of the cords that help it hold it's shape. I'm hoping that in time they'll stretch enough to let it sit flat. Aside from that, I have a soft cooler from WalMart (what is a soft cooler but an insulated bag?) that's a little bit wider, and a little bit flatter than the standard double D bag, and the oversized handles are designed to double as a shoulder strap. That last feature was very useful on a $40 Denny's order where I needed both bags and a drink carrier, so it was nice to be able to sling one bag over my shoulder.

this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DW84ZTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BevBag Insulated Beverage Carrier Now With Reusable Plastic Tray! (Model #200, Gray)

and this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DR4WSHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Insulated Food Delivery Bag Carrier with Shoulder Strap and 2 Patent Pending detachable dividers | Waterproof and Leakproof Interior | Uber Eats Doordash Restaurant Catering | FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 Cert

your welcome from the best doordasher in santa clara county ca

I got mine on Amazon, it's meant to be a cleaning caddy for pine sol bottles and stuff but it works great as a cup holder, especially for big fast food drinks.

https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Deluxe-Cleaning-FG315488BLA/dp/B00006ICOT/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=plastic+cleaning+caddy&qid=1562385742&s=gateway&sr=8-3

If the link doesn't work, just search plastic cleaning caddy on Amazon.

It's all good, I actually found exactly what I was looking for , just wish it was cheaper 😭. I better get tipped more for it lol.

I'm lucky. My car has a cd player in it, high on the center console, so I use a cd mount and it's perfectly positioned at just the right height to be eye-level and not obscuring the windshield area.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0713ZQDXC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been using it for around four months now and it's still as sturdy and steady as the day I mounted it.

I have this little one. It's surprisingly bright, like a mini spotlight, and I never have to worry about charging it.

https://www.amazon.com/XREXS-Flashlight-Multi-Function-Portable-Traveling/dp/B07Q22Z5NC/ref=sr_1_5?

Unless you were planning on doing GrubHub anyway, don't be a sleazebag. Go ahead and invest in quality hot bag(s) that don't have another company's branding all over it.

for pizza: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EKK25E4

for everything else: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PHKGOW (drinks can be stored in the side pockets)

if you need a dedicated drink carrier: https://www.michaels.com/assorted-6-cup-caddy-with-handle-by-creatology/10554271.html (or you can stock up on drink carriers from fast food restaurants like Taco Bell)

​

you can write these off as business expenses

Not bad at all.

Remember to decline shitty offers, and orders from restaurants that are slow and waste your time. Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebees, and Cheesecake Factory have the worst reputations for making dashers wait. But in my area Buffalo Wild Wings aren't bad. So up to you if you wanna give the others a chance.


And when you have multiple orders you can deliver them in any order you want.

Also, if you get a fast-food red card order, sometimes there is another location much closer than the one DD is trying to send you to. So in those cases it pays to check and then go to the closest location.

Also, you should totally buy yourself one of these to make it way easier to deliver orders with multiple drinks.

Lastly, get the Stride app for tracking your mileage and deductions.

Good luck and drive safe.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EKKJOCU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Well worth the $22 price. Deluxe, heavy duty, holds two large pies, has a flap with Velcro and can be held underneath with strap to open. Plain black, can use with any delivery app.

Sure thing!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EKKJOCU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FFC91JZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I keep my old DD bag flat in the pizza bag in case I need a hot bag while out with pizzas.

Earthwise Insulated Food Delivery Grocery Bag Carrier (Set of 2) Collapsible Extra Large Waterproof Reusable Shopping Tote Zipper Top Lid for Hot or Cold Food Reinforced Bottom Panel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZGX3KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_037GDbVY6YYVT
New Star Foodservice 50073 Insulated Pizza Delivery Bag, 18" by 18" by 5", Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LOZHW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_T47GDbBMTR5YB

These bags have paid for themselves many times over

Bought this. Works great. $10. Rubbermaid Commercial Deluxe Carry Cleaning Caddy, Black (FG315488BLA) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ICOT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_skkpDb9GJWAW1