DoorDash Two-Wheeled Deliveries: Transforming Urban Mobility

For decades, vehicles with four or more wheels have dominated roads across North America. However, a growing number of people are now opting for two-wheeled alternatives.

Scooters, e-bikes, and bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, offering solutions to urban congestion, street safety and environmental sustainability. In cities where traffic congestion is a persistent issue, these vehicles are proving to be viable alternatives for both personal transport and commercial deliveries.

DoorDash has explored the shift in its report, How Two-Wheeled Deliveries Help Drive Local Commerce. The report highlights two-wheeled vehicles' significant impact on local economies and city infrastructure.

Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at DoorDash, states: "Cities that effectively support two-wheeled devices can expect to experience a virtuous cycle that amplifies these benefits for everyone." 

DoorDash's commitment to two-wheeled deliveries

DoorDash, the largest food delivery service in the US, has been at the forefront of promoting two-wheeled deliveries. With a market share exceeding 50%, It serves more than 20 million consumers, 450,000 merchants and more than a million delivery couriers.

Founded in 2012 with headquarters in California, DoorDash processed 685 million orders in 2024, generating a total revenue of US$2.9bn.

"DoorDash has worked to increase the share of deliveries completed using two-wheeled devices on our platform and we're glad innovative policymakers are recognising the benefits they can play for their local economies," adds Elizabeth.

The benefits of two-wheeled deliveries

According to DoorDash's report, deliveries made on two-wheeled vehicles offer multiple advantages:

• Greater flexibility for couriers: Two-wheeled vehicles provide low-barrier earning opportunities, particularly in dense urban environments with limited parking.
• Improved merchant connectivity: Businesses can efficiently reach customers through delivery services powered by bicycles, scooters and e-bikes.
• Enhanced urban liveability: Reduced dependence on cars contributes to safer streets, fewer traffic jams and lower noise pollution.
• Lower carbon emissions: Over a year, two-wheeled deliveries have saved more than 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. Even petrol-powered scooters provide emissions reductions comparable to EVs.

Sustainability and DoorDash's vision

Among motorised vehicle options, e-bikes have the lowest carbon footprint per mile, making them an essential component of sustainable urban mobility.

DoorDash considers increasing two-wheeled deliveries a critical aspect of its sustainability strategy. The initiative complements efforts to help couriers switch to fuel-efficient vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars.

During a single month in 2024, DoorDash couriers using two-wheeled vehicles covered more than 40 million miles. Over a year, the shift in transportation would save carbon emissions comparable to the annual energy use of 21,000 homes.

Cities leading the way in two-wheeled deliveries

Several North American cities are already seeing a significant share of DoorDash deliveries completed via two-wheeled vehicles:

• San Francisco, California: 76% of DoorDash deliveries are made on two wheels, covering over 1.6 million miles.
• San Mateo and Walnut Creek, California: These cities also report a high adoption rate of two-wheeled deliveries.
• New York City: With more than three million miles travelled, 61% of deliveries in NYC are completed using two-wheeled vehicles.
• Toronto, Canada: The city has a 32% share of two-wheeled deliveries, totalling nearly 400,000 miles travelled.

Expanding two-wheeled delivery options

DoorDash is actively promoting and expanding two-wheeled deliveries across its platform.

It is refining its logistics system to enhance courier efficiency by factoring in:

• A courier's real-time location
• The size and weight of deliveries
• The availability of bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure

Additionally, DoorDash is prioritising two-wheeled couriers for shorter-distance deliveries in urban centres.

To ensure safe and accessible two-wheeled transportation, DoorDash has partnered with leading e-bike manufacturers such as Whizz and Dirwin. The partnerships offer exclusive discounts to couriers who use the DoorDash platform.

Furthermore, New York City collaborates with the Equitable Commute Project, which helps couriers and other delivery workers upgrade to safer and more energy-efficient e-bikes and batteries.

As cities continue to explore innovative transportation solutions, the role of two-wheeled vehicles in delivery services is expected to grow. With environmental sustainability, courier flexibility and improved urban mobility at the forefront, companies like DoorDash are paving the way for a more efficient and eco-friendly future.

By investing in infrastructure, partnerships and platform improvements, DoorDash ensures that two-wheeled deliveries remain a key component of the urban economy for years.

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