I went live with fellow YouTuber Raspy Rides to talk about our experience delivering food (Uber Eats / DoorDash) via ebikes. Here’s the replay.
We talked about our experiences delivering on ebikes. Raspy does it in Long Beach, CA while I do it in Southern CT. We’ll run through our delivery equipment needed, types of ebikes we like to deliver with and what we make. Tune it to my first live event recording.
Summary of Video Content: E-Bike Food Delivery Insights with Andy from Raspy Rides
This video features a detailed conversation between two e-bike enthusiasts discussing the niche of e-bike food delivery, sharing personal experiences, strategies, gear recommendations, and industry insights. Andy, from Raspy Rides, provides a comprehensive overview of his journey delivering food via e-bike, his equipment, delivery tactics, and challenges faced along the way.
Key Themes and Insights
1. Background and Channel Focus
- Andy started his channel about 1.5 to 2 years ago, initially filming food delivery rides using e-bikes during the COVID period.
- Inspired by channels featuring gas scooters and e-bikes for deliveries, he aimed to fill a content gap in the niche of e-bike food delivery.
- Currently located in Connecticut suburbs, Andy typically delivers within a small radius (~1-2 miles) around his home for efficiency and familiarity.
2. Delivery Strategy and Prop 22 Impact
- Prop 22 legislation in California guarantees a minimum wage floor plus incentives based on delivery speed and efficiency.
- Andy’s delivery strategy prioritizes balancing speed with food safety, aiming to maximize Prop 22 bonuses by avoiding being late while preventing spills or accidents.
- Slower, more careful deliveries result in happier customers, safer rides, and higher pay—described as a “win, win, win” approach.
- Winter season reduces delivery activity due to cold weather impacting food temperature and demand.
3. Delivery Metrics and Experience
- Andy has completed approximately 1,200 miles of deliveries across several e-bikes.
- Typical deliveries are 4-5 orders per shift lasting 1 to 1.5 hours, mostly around lunch and dinner times.
- Earnings average about $20-$25 per shift, with the best shift yielding around $30.
- Orders usually pay $2 to $3 per mile, with occasional larger orders (e.g., $30 for a 15-mile delivery) being rare but lucrative.
- Multi-app delivery is common, with Andy using DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub simultaneously, though others prefer sticking to one app.
4. Equipment and Bikes
- Andy primarily used the Rattan LM Ultra bike (over 800 miles last year) and is transitioning to the Testway X7 all-wheel-drive bike for better cargo capacity and performance.
- The Walkie H7 Ultra bike features a 2,000-watt motor with a 55Ah battery, reaching speeds up to 38 mph, suitable for deliveries.
- Battery reliability and maintenance are vital; Andy replaced battery management systems (BMS) on Testway batteries for improved performance.
- Flat tire prevention is critical—Andy recommends using flat tire sealants to avoid long pushes under harsh conditions.
- Delivery bags vary between backpacks and rack-mounted bags, with backpacks offering better shock absorption and spill prevention.
- Customized drink holders and bungee cords are practical accessories to secure beverages and large items like pizzas or even boxed Christmas trees.
5. Safety Incidents and Risks
- Andy shared a serious incident where he was hit by a Porsche while riding at about 28-30 mph. Thanks to protective gear, injuries were minor, but the accident involved a lawsuit.
- Safety gear includes helmets with face shields, gloves, and proper clothing, especially in adverse weather like hail.
- Bike security strategies involve alarms on heavy modified bikes and AirTags for tracking.
6. Challenges and Industry Environment
- Delivery apps have varying policies; for example, Uber Eats requires separate accounts for different vehicle types (bike vs. car).
- Technical issues such as network outages (Verizon outage example) can cause delivery complications.
- Ghost kitchens and lesser-known restaurants can complicate deliveries due to obscure locations.
- E-bike laws are evolving, with some states considering stricter licensing and insurance requirements, especially for high-power models above 750 watts.
- Enforcement remains inconsistent, and practical delivery riders rely on common sense and staying under regulatory thresholds.
7. E-Bike Industry and Brands
- Popular e-bike brands discussed include Aniyoki, Testway, Electric, Velotrix, Aventon, HayBike, Ihura, Goat, Magician, Kesway.
- Aniyoki is noted for pioneering long-range e-bikes with models like the AQ177 Pro Max, capable of 80+ miles on throttle.
- Aventon’s newer models feature advanced tech like GPS tracking and geofencing.
- Some brands have had quality or customer service challenges; social media engagement is recommended to resolve issues.
- Battery and controller replacements are common maintenance needs; motors rarely fail.
- New models and e-motos are regularly reviewed, with concerns about legal restrictions growing in various states.
Timeline Table (Key Events and Topics)
| Time | Topic/Event |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 02:25 | Introduction; Andy’s channel background & start |
| 02:30 – 05:57 | Prop 22 strategy and delivery approach |
| 06:00 – 09:19 | Safety incident: hit by a car during delivery |
| 09:20 – 11:50 | Delivery mileage, areas served, and shift durations |
| 12:00 – 14:39 | Delivery order values, distances, and multi-app use |
| 15:00 – 18:23 | Delivery gear: bags, drink holders, bungee cords, cargo |
| 18:30 – 20:30 | Bike safety and anti-theft strategies |
| 29:00 – 35:00 | Overview and specs of bikes like Walkie H7 Ultra, Testway |
| 35:00 – 38:00 | Weather challenges and accessories for delivery |
| 39:00 – 42:57 | Ghost kitchens, long shifts, and physical strain effects |
| 43:00 – 46:33 | Legal environment changes and e-bike regulations |
| 46:40 – 54:00 | E-bike brands, favorite models, and industry rumors |
| 54:00 – 59:54 | Customer service issues, affiliate payments, and closing |
Equipment and Bike Specifications Comparison
| Bike Model | Motor Power | Battery Capacity | Top Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walkie H7 Ultra | 2,000 W (peak ~4,000 W) | 55 Ah, 48 V | ~38 mph | Large battery, high speed |
| Testway X7 AWD | Dual motors (unspecified) | 60 Ah (55 Ah real) | ~35 mph | All-wheel drive, cargo capacity |
| Aniyoki AQ177 Pro Max | Not specified | 72 V, 80 Ah (modified) | Not specified | Long range; 100+ miles on throttle |
| Rattan LM Ultra | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Primary bike used previously |
Essential Gear for E-Bike Delivery
- Delivery bag (backpack or rack-mounted)
- Drink holders (custom Velcro-secured inserts or art caddies)
- Bungee cords for securing large or irregular items
- Phone mount and portable battery charger
- Protective clothing (helmet with face shield, gloves)
- Security devices (bike alarms, AirTags)
Key Takeaways
- Efficient e-bike food delivery requires balancing speed with safety and food quality to maximize earnings, especially under incentive programs like Prop 22.
- Proper gear, including reliable bikes, secure bags, and accessories, significantly improves delivery experience and reduces risks like spills or accidents.
- E-bike riders face unique challenges such as weather, legal uncertainties, and technical issues with apps and networks.
- Customer service in the e-bike industry is inconsistent; social media engagement is an effective tool for resolving issues.
- The e-bike delivery niche is growing, with various popular brands innovating in battery capacity, motor power, and tech features, but riders must stay informed about evolving regulations.
Conclusion
This video offers valuable, experience-based insights into e-bike food delivery, including practical strategies, gear recommendations, safety tips, and an overview of the current e-bike market and regulatory landscape. Andy’s firsthand stories and recommendations provide a credible resource for new and experienced delivery riders looking to optimize their operations with e-bikes.