Whizz
/
Blog
/

For Delivery

How to Doordash for the first time

Oct 11, 24

Author: Anastasiia Chub

First-time starting with DoorDash can be very exciting, especially if you plan on using an electric bike for your deliveries.

An e-bike will enable one to zip through traffic, save on gas, make quicker deliveries, and still remain eco-friendly.

Still, all beginnings are challenging, and you might catch yourself wondering about how to start DoorDash for the first time.

It’s your lucky day because Whizz is here to help you out!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started as a new DoorDash rider and maximize your earnings with the added benefits of riding an electric bike.

Let's get started!

Signing up for DoorDash

DoorDash has a pretty straightforward application process on how to start dashing on doordash app:

  1. First, sign up to DoorDash with your email address, phone number, and zip code.
  2. You’ll need to enter your personal information, such as your name and password.
  3. Download the Dasher app to continue your sign-up for either iPhone or Android
  4. Choose your vehicle type – more on this in a bit. If you select a car, you will be prompted to add your vehicle details. In the case that you cannot find your preferred vehicle, please select "Other".
  5. Go through an identity verification process to help make sure you're you. This includes uploading a valid government ID and taking a selfie to match the picture on the ID.
  6. Once activated, you will need to log into the Dasher app and to complete your background check. Most background checks are completed within a day, and some take up to a week or more. Refresh your browser to see if there's any update. Background checks include:
  7. Motor vehicle report (if you have indicated using a motor vehicle to dash)
  8. Criminal history report
  9. Next, you can choose your preferred payment method. You can choose "Instantly" to get paid after each dash via DasherDirect or add your bank account information to get your weekly earnings via direct deposit. You can skip this step and select "Choose Later'' to get access to your earnings more frequently through DasherDirect or Fast Pay.
  10. Click on Start Dashing to begin earning.

Choosing the proper transportation method

DoorDash allows its delivery workers to choose between several transportation methods. These include:

  • Electric bikes: Highly speedy, eco-friendly, economical, and perfect for urban areas.
  • Cars: comfortable to travel larger distances, but also always hard to find parking places and possibly heavy traffic.
  • Scooters: Quick, agile, practical means for small distances, but not having a great radius of action and low capacity.
  • Bicycles: cheap and flexible, but definitely need more physical exertion than their e-bike counterparts.

Why use an electric bike for DoorDash

Many Dashers, especially those working in urban areas, opt for an electric bike – and there are several reasons why this is a good idea.

E-bikes are perfect for the job, melding the right amount of speed with efficiency and cost-saving to boot; a good balance for Dashers.

They allow bike riders to get around traffic pretty easily and reach destinations quicker than cars can in heavy urban environments.

E-bikes save money on gas and parking, not to mention reducing the physical demands of pedaling.

Besides that, electric bikes are ecological, with minimal carbon emissions, and the power of batteries certainly helps to cover bigger distances without too much effort.

Overall, using an electric bike is a smart and cost-effective way of maximizing earnings while delivering efficiently.

Essential gear for Dashers on an e-bike

There are numerous items delivery riders need to stay safe on the road and to make sure their job is completed up to the highest standard. This includes:

  • A durable helmet is needed for safety and protection on the road. It’s a mandatory piece of equipment in many states, so make sure to check with local regulations.
  • Reflective clothing that helps you stay visible, especially during late-night deliveries.
  • A sturdy U-lock will keep your e-bike safe when leaving it unattended.
  • An insulated delivery bag to keep food hot or cold during transport.
  • A phone mount for easy navigation and access to the DoorDash app.
  • A portable power bank can help you charge your battery throughout the shift without needing to take a break.
  • Front and rear lights for visibility in low-light conditions.

Tips for new Dashers

We’ve asked Dashers who worked with Whizz to give some tips for new Dashers. This is what they had to say:

  • Deliver during peak hours. There are good times do DoorDash, and there are the best times to DoorDash. These would fall between 11 AM and 2 PM for lunch hours and between 5 PM and 9 PM for dinner hours. These periods of the day usually have more demand, hence more orders and better tips. DoorDash also gives out bonuses during peak hours, which would be a good way to increase your earnings.
  • Plan routes efficiently. Before hitting the road, take some time to get familiar with local streets, bike lanes, and shortcuts which will definitely enable you to avoid traffic and find quicker routes to lower delivery times.
  • Prep your gear. Make sure your phone is charged, and bring a portable charger to prevent your phone from dying during your shift. Invest in a high-quality, insulated delivery bag for better food presentation to clients. Keep your e-bike well serviced, ensuring the battery, tires, and brakes are at peak performance before heading out on delivery.
  • Handle multiple orders with care. DoorDash assigns a batch of multiple deliveries in one trip. Be sure to keep organized by double-checking customer information and bagging orders separately to minimize confusion and allow for quicker delivery of the items ordered correctly.
  • Be friendly and professional. Good vibes from customers and restaurant staff alike will raise your rating, possibly resulting in tips. Smile, greet customers with a friendly greeting, and be courteous during all interactions.
  • Maintain your e-bike. Do the routine maintenance. The e-bikes need to be fully charged before the beginning of your shift, and you should monitor the battery life through the delivery run. Also, check tire pressure for a smoother, safer ride; good brakes will also be helpful.
  • Choose a proper e-bike. A good electric bike can greatly increase your daily profits from DoorDash. Most manufacturers create bikes for commuters, forgetting the needs of delivery riders.

Maximize your earnings with Whizz

Are you looking to maximize your profits from DoorDash? Then, what you need is an electric bike made for delivery riders!

Unlike other renters, Whizz has electric bikes made with delivery riders in mind. This includes Storm-2, which many consider to be the best electric bike for delivery workers currently on the market.

A reliable e-bike can ensure longer shifts, fewer expenses, and more delivered orders. And the best part of it all? You don’t have to own it – you can simply rent it from Whizz and deliver for low upfront costs.

And that's not all. If you have an old e bike with removable battery you can trade it for a new one!

You might like it

For Delivery

Where to go to the toilet when delivering in NYC

Of all the hurdles facing the delivery riders and drivers of New York City, one commonly flies…

For Delivery

Uber Eats bicycle requirements for delivery riders

With the rise of food delivery services like Uber Eats, many individuals are turning to bicycles…

For Delivery

Do you need a license to DoorDash on a bike

Working as a DoorDash delivery rider is a good way to earn that extra cash. However, not everyone…

For Delivery

Best e-bike delivery jobs in NYC

Are you thinking about e-bike delivery jobs? Demand for fast and efficient delivery services across…

Book a FREE test ride now!

Enjoy a perfect transport for NYC delivery riders

We use cookies to personalize our website and offerings to your interests and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our products, you agree to our use of cookies.