In France, earnings from delivery workers involved in on-demand instant delivery are not well known. Using data from two waves of a survey conducted in Paris with instant delivery workers, this research presents the interactions between types of delivery gigs, operations and vehicles that lead to differences in income earned from delivery.
The results show that the highest incomes are found among delivery workers with the longest service and who work for multiple delivery platforms. In conclusion, the income of delivery workers is primarily driven by the intensity of their work, as measured by the number of deliveries they complete per week. However, additional strategies, such as multi-platforming and using motorized two-wheelers, also play a significant role in boosting income by enabling workers to select more profitable deliveries. Experienced workers are more likely to adopt these strategies, further enhancing their earnings. Conversely, working in the Central District appears less advantageous due to lower delivery profitability.
More importantly, using a motorized two-wheeler instead of a bicycle, e-bicycle, or scooter is key. It appears to be the most effective way to ensure a satisfactory level of earnings for on-demand instant delivery workers.
However, there are legal and environmental dilemmas. Primarily, French law requires that freelance delivery drivers obtain a specific license before using mopeds for delivery purposes, a license that most of them do not hold. Moreover, the energy consumption of mopeds is higher than that of bicycles and electric scooters by a factor of twenty, presenting significant environmental concerns.