Understanding Doordash Scooter Requirements

New to DoorDash and perhaps you want to do that with a scooter? or just maybe you want to switch from another delivery mode?

Firstly, if you want to switch things, that’s not a bad decision.

But just so you know, it’s important you make an official switch so the company knows what actually you deliver and gives you the right delivery priority.

A newcomer? That’s fine. This article will take a look at the requirements from DoorDash regarding scooters, regardless of whether you’re just joining or are a veteran.

Doordash Scooter Requirements

The whole requirements on DoorDash are actually centered around the State requirement of people’s location. This goes from the age requirement to the look-back period of their background check and the need for a driving license.

In other words, if you meet the state requirements of driving a scooter commercially in your location, you should be fine doing the same with DoorDash.

But let’s explain this properly.

The Basic Requirements

For whatever mode of delivery —car, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, or your legs— you choose to use while on DoorDash, you need to satisfy the basic requirements on the platform.

This includes:

1. Be above 18 years
2. Have a smart mobile phone
3. Complete the signup process

Simple yeah, but these basic requirements held me from joining the platform until I was officially 18.

Criminal Records

A global requirement on DoorDash…

Regardless of the type of vehicle you intend to drive, DoorDash would need to perform a criminal record check on you

The check typically looks for major criminal convictions and violations within a certain time frame.

The specifics can vary by jurisdiction, and not all criminal convictions may disqualify you from driving with DoorDash. However, certain convictions, especially those related to theft or violence like DUI, may result in disqualification.

Driver’s License or Government Issued Card

Depending on the state you live in, yes you may need a driver’s license to make deliveries with a scooter on Doordash.

For instance, in California, scooter drivers are recommended to provide a driver’s license to drive on commercial roads.

Some states may also go on to provide a specialized driver’s license for scooters and any two-wheel motorized vehicle.

In any of these cases, you may need to provide a driver’s license or a specialized scooter license to apply to DoorDash.

But then, just as there are states that require driver’s licenses for scooters, there are many others that don’t.

If you stay in one of these states, you won’t need a driver’s license to apply to DoorDash. Other government-issued cards would be used as alternatives. This also means you may not have to worry about DUI, delivering with a scooter.

Things to Keep in mind while delivering with a Scooter

Availability

If you’ve tried signing up or switching to a scooter, and can’t find the option available, it’s most likely possible that the options are not available in your location.

You can notice how DoorDash specifies other delivery options are only available in some markets…

This is common if you stay in a place that probably has enough scooter drivers or a place where using scooters to deliver doesn’t cut the cheese. This is common in cities that are underpopulated.

Not just for scooters, but this is common across other delivery modes like walking, and bicycling. That’s why there is something like bicycling cities.

Wear Helmets

A lot of people initially start delivering with helmets, and every safety gadget you can think of due to their enthusiasm at first — which eventually goes off eventually.

But here’s the thing, helmets are much more important than most people know they are.

For safety reasons, always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and stay vigilant. Take extra precautions in adverse weather conditions.

Remember, safe delivery is a successful delivery.

Go with Electric Scooters

Already the popular option out there, but it’s worth mentioning.

One of the biggest advantages of electric scooters over vehicles and motorcycles is the absence of fuel and the cost to spend on them monthly.

If you can get rid of this, doing DoorDash would most likely move up in profitability, depending on other factors as well.

Is Doordash worth it on a Scooter?

This is a question we always get asked, but it actually varies from person to person.

For clarity’s sake, let’s take a look at this from the pros and cons:

Pros:

The biggest advantage scooters (electric), bicycles, and other electric or manually powered vehicles have over cars is their affordability in maintenance.

This includes and is not limited to the cost of fuel, maintenance fees, etc.

And for a scooter that isn’t electrically powered, you’ll still find them more fuel efficient than an everyday car.

This is a lot of savings for someone who drives daily and can only make delivering just more profitable.

Something else to keep in mind is the maneuverability of scooters just like we have with bicycles.

If you stay in a location often crowded or congested with traffic, scooters can be a good way to make deliveries faster. Unlike bicycles, you don’t have to sacrifice your manpower for this.

Cons:

Firstly, the comfort isn’t the best. You’re limited to a confined space, can’t take multiple orders at a go, and would need to keep an eye on your scooter any time you go, dropping food, since they’re prone to stealing.

Lastly, since they’re not safety protected, the likelihood of them being totaled and risking your life in the event of an accident is high.

Final Thoughts

Generally, the requirement for becoming a scooter driver is pretty much straightforward on DoorDash and basically the same with other modes of delivery, with the exception of the driver’s license in some markets.