Bike courier for downtown deliveries

Offices, law firms, architects, print and sign shops, restaurants and shops that need quick, short-distance deliveries.

A flat rate per delivery zone or per trip, with monthly accounts for regular business clients.

• Strong cycling fitness
• Good knowledge of local streets and bike routes
• Dependable and punctual
• Comfortable riding in rain and cold

• Check whether commercial general liability insurance is advisable for goods you carry
• Check municipal rules on e-bike classes and where you may ride
• Winter can sharply cut demand and make riding unsafe, so plan for slower months
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Personal injury risk in traffic, so invest in lights, a helmet and good gear

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on whether you choose a bike or e-bike and how much you spend on lights, a helmet and good gear. These are estimates, so check prices for your own set-up.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your hours, area and clients. Winter can sharply cut demand and make riding unsafe, so plan for slower months.

Check municipal rules on e-bike classes and where you may ride. Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and whether commercial general liability insurance is advisable for the goods you carry. Traffic injury risk is real, so invest in safety gear.