The Pros, Cons and Requirements of Switching from Bike to Car for Uber Eats, DoorDash and Menulog

The main reason many Aussies are drawn to becoming gig delivery drivers is the flexibility of time, the freedom to set their own hours, and the potential income. However, there is one key factor that strongly influences both the experience and earnings of a gig delivery driver: the type of vehicle used.

In Australia, there are two main categories of vehicles you can use: bicycles (either push bikes or e-bikes), and motor vehicles such as cars, scooters, or motorbikes. At first glance, both seem suitable for delivering food and other items, but in reality, each comes with its own significant advantages and drawbacks.

The type of vehicle you use will ultimately affect how comfortable the job feels, as well as how much income you can realistically earn.

Why Switch Vehicle from Bike to Car

Lately, many delivery drivers who previously used bikes or scooters have been choosing to switch to cars. Their reasons vary, from comfort to income. Earning with a car can sometimes be higher, as cars can accept orders with greater value, whether because they can carry larger loads, or because they can deliver to further destinations.

Another reason for moving from bike to car is safety. Cyclists face greater risks while on the road. Rain can make roads slippery, strong winds can affect balance, and the hot summer sun often leads to fatigue and general discomfort.

Bikes are also more vulnerable because of their smaller size and the fact that they are not always easily visible to other drivers. The risks are even greater at night, with cyclists being more exposed to both accidents and crime on the road.

Requirements Before Switching from Bike to Car

The requirements for adding a vehicle on each platform (DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Menulog) are not too different. Adding a vehicle that doesn’t require a licence, such as a push bike or e-bike, is usually quick, as there is no need for additional document verification.

However, if you have not previously added a car to your account, then when you register a car as your new vehicle, you will need to provide extra documents. Here are the additional requirements across the main platforms:

• Driver Licence. For Uber Eats, only a full open driver licence is accepted. Meanwhile, DoorDash and Menulog still accept a Provisional Licence or P-plate, particularly Green Ps.
• Vehicle Insurance. You must provide a Certificate of Currency that clearly shows your name, vehicle details, and a valid expiry date.
• Thermal Food Bag. This is an additional requirement specifically for Menulog drivers. You’ll need to send them a photo.

How to Switch from Bike to Car Driver Account

In general, all delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Menulog, and DoorDash allow you to add a new vehicle without removing your existing one. So, if you only have one vehicle at the moment (say, a bike), you can simply add another one, including a car.

Here’s an example of how to add a vehicle on some of the platforms:

Uber Eats

1. In the Uber Driver app, tap the three-line menu button in the top left corner.
2. Choose Account > Vehicles > Add a vehicle.
3. Complete all required information.
4. Upload any required documents and photos.

DoorDash

1. On the Dasher app, go to the Vehicle Management section.
2. Tap add new vehicle and select your car’s make and model, then confirm your choice.
3. Complete all required documents, such as your driver licence and insurance.

Add a new vehicle to Dash

Which Do You Prefer: Bike vs Car for Delivery?

Advantages of Each Vehicle
Many gig delivery drivers choose bikes because operational costs are almost non-existent for push bikes, and e-bikes only need a little maintenance. No petrol costs (which keep rising every year), no ongoing vehicle insurance bills, and no expensive routine servicing at the mechanic.

In big cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, bikes are often the most practical option as they can weave through traffic easily. On top of that, finding parking isn’t a big hassle for cyclists; you can just stop in front of a restaurant or merchant, lock the bike securely, and pick up the order.

On the other hand, driving a car provides a different experience. It allows drivers to cover wider areas, even suburban zones that are quite far from the city centre. With a car, you can also accept a wider range of orders, including grocery deliveries (like DoorDash’s Shop and Deliver or Uber Eats’s Pack and Deliver) in bulk from supermarkets. This is often where the potential for higher earnings comes in.

Drawbacks of Each Vehicle
Some delivery platforms tend to allocate shorter-distance orders to bikes, which, as we know, sometimes means lower pay. When it’s pouring rain or the sun is blazing, working on a bike can feel tough. Plus, pedalling a bike or riding an e-bike for hours can be physically draining. What might feel light at first can quickly become exhausting if done every day.

For car deliveries, the downside is the higher operational costs compared to bikes. You need to pay for fuel, regular servicing, registration, and insurance, all of which are far from cheap. In crowded CBD areas, cars often face parking challenges. Not to mention traffic jams, which can slow down deliveries.