The 6 Best Ways To DoorDash Without a Car (A Guide to Car-Free Dash)
Doing DoorDash with a car is great, but if you do not own a car, there are better options you can opt for. If you are looking for the best way to DoorDash without a car, you are in luck since this post will help you!
So, let’s dive in!
Ways To DoorDash Without A Car
Here are the best ways to DoorDash if you don’t have a car. While all of them are fantastic, their effectiveness may vary based on your location. Let’s dive right in:
1. Bike
Bikes are great for DoorDash. If you don’t have a car, consider using a bike to deliver for DoorDash. With a bike, not only will you be able to penetrate traffic during peak DoorDash hours, but you will also exercise your body to stay healthy.
Reasons to Use Bike for DoorDash
- You will save money on gas, insurance, and parking fees.
- It has minimum maintenance and fuel costs.
- If you’re in a big city like New York, you can easily penetrate traffic congestion.
- You have the advantage of parking close to restaurants, avoiding the time-consuming task of finding parking, unlike with a car.
- You get to enjoy fresh air and sunshine – enjoying the outdoors while making money.
- It’s a great opportunity to workout or exercise your body.
- Doesn’t require a driver’s license.
Downsides of Using Bike for DoorDash
- It really depends on the weather. Rainy, snowy, or super sunny days can throw a curveball into your delivery game.
- It’s not suitable for long-distance deliveries.
- You will need a backpack if you want to large orders of food safely.
2. E-Bike
When you’re covering long distances or dealing with hilly areas, I’d say going for an e-bike is a smart move. It can make things a bit easier compared to a regular bike since it has motor assistance.
Reasons to Use E-Bike for DoorDash
- Using an e-bike is effortless when climbing hills because the e-bike maintains a steady speed.
- You’re able to complete more deliveries without getting exhausted.
- It helps you make fast deliveries since you’re able to navigate tight traffic and spots.
- No driver’s license is required.
Downsides of Using E-Bike for DoorDash
- E-bikes are more expensive than regular bikes.
- While e-bikes are generally cheaper to maintain than cars, they can still incur expenses. Regular maintenance for brakes, electrical systems, and tire pressure is necessary.
- Weather concerns might have an impact on your deliveries.
- E-bikes depend on battery power. This means you’d need a reliable charging point.
3. Scooter
If you will be doing shorter distance deliveries, a scooter can be another best way to DoorDash without a car. Because scooters are lightweight and agile, you’re able to penetrate tight traffic jams quickly. If you live in an urban city like Chicago, San Francisco, or LA, using a scooter for deliveries will help speed up the whole process.
Reasons to Use Scooter for DoorDash
- It has a low maintenance cost.
- You’re able to maneuver congested traffic jams easily due to its small size and speed.
- No need to worry about parking because you can leave your scooter close to restaurants.
- You get to enjoy the outdoors while stacking some cash.
Downsides of Using Scooter for DoorDash
- When working in areas without dedicated scooter lanes, using a scooter may present safety issues.
- Being able to deliver with a scooter will depend on the weather.
- Scooters have limited carrying capacity, even smaller than bikes. So, you’d have to invest in a delivery bag or backpack.
- You need a driver’s license sometimes.
4. Motorcycle
Motorcyles are more convenient for doing deliveries. They also come with speed and good carrying space. As a DoorDash dasher who wants to amplify your earnings, motorcycle is a cool option.
Reasons to Use Motorcycle for DoorDash
- Because the mileage of motorcycles is larger than cars, you’re able to save on gas.
- During peak hours on DoorDash, you can navigate traffic jams easily with a motorcycle.
- Motorcycles are faster than bikes and scooters.
- With motorcycles, parking is easy when you’re out delivering orders due to their small size.
- The carrying capacity is larger compared to that of bikes and scooters.
Downsides of Using Motorcycle for DoorDash
- Safety concerns. Motorcycles are riskier than cars, scooters, bikes, etc. Moreover, motorcycle accidents can be more severe. Hence, you’d need proper safety gear.
- Weather limitations on your work.
- Although motorcycles offer more carrying capacity than bikes and scooters, it’s still limited. This means you’ll need a backpack or delivery bag.
- A motorcycle license is required.
5. Moped
Like motorcycles, mopeds (motorized pedals) are also great for doing DoorDash without a car. Mopeds have combined features of motorcycles and bikes, making them a cool option to consider for your DoorDash deliveries.
Reasons to Use Mopeds for DoorDash
- Mopeds have low fuel and maintenance costs, so you can save more money.
- You can navigate traffic easily with mopeds.
- Easy parking.
- Mopeds are faster than cars and bikes.
Downsides of Using Mopeds for DoorDash
- Your delivery routine can be affected during harsh weather days.
- Moped licensing requirements are different depending on your location.
- DoorDash’s “Dasher Biker” program may not support moped deliveries in your area.
- You need a moped’s license.
6. Walking
If you don’t want to use a bike, scooter, motorcycle, or moped, you can walk to complete DoorDash orders. I see walking to be the best option if you live in a densely populated city where you do short-distance deliveries.
Reasons to DoorDash on Foot
- Walking is a way to stay healthy.
- If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll love every minute of your work with DoorDash.
- Delivering on foot requires no maintenance, gas, or parking fees.
- You don’t need a driver’s license.
- Walking is environmentally friendly because there’s zero emission.
Downsides of doing DoorDash on Foot
- You can’t complete deliveries faster.
- You are likely to get tired easily after a few deliveries.
- Bad weather can affect your work.
- Carrying a delivery bag can be challenging as you move around.
Is It Good to DoorDash Without a Car?
Yes. If you’re completing short-distance deliveries in a densely populated city, DoorDashing without a car is the best option.
By using a bike, scooter, motorcycle, or moped, you do not have to worry too much about expenses like gas, parking, and maintenance. Furthermore, these modes of transportation are fast and convenient.
Do Dashers who Deliver without a Car have access to Support Programs provided by DoorDash?
Yes, dashers who deliver without a car have access to support programs offered by DoorDash. The main one is the “Dasher Bikers” program. This program is for dashers who deliver with bikes, scooters, and mopeds.
However, I have heard that in some areas, you won’t be able to get support if you deliver with a moped.
To be sure, it’s worth reaching out to DoorDash and checking if they’re on board with moped Dashers in your area.
Other benefits enjoyed by dashers who deliver without a car include:
- E-bike discounts in some locations.
- Tax preparation discounts.
- Access to short-distance deliveries.
Final Words
If you once thought not having a car would hinder your DoorDash delivery work, you now know that there are other transportation options! A bike, scooter, motorcycle, moped, and even walking, can get the job done on DoorDash.
So, apply and start delivering for DoorDash now. I wish you success with DoorDash! Cheers!
Manuelo is an entrepreneur and a personal finance nerd. He is the founder of Dollars And Freedom. An expert in side hustles, online gigs, and everything about making money. His works have been featured on major financial publications, such as Business Insider, GoBankingRates, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, and more. When he’s not busy with his blog or writing for others, you’ll catch him hanging out with loved ones or reading books on stoicism and self-development.
