The key role of motorized two-wheelers in boosting the earnings of on-demand delivery workers in Paris

Benjamin Motte-Baumvol and Laetitia Dablanc

Research in Transportation Economics, 2025, vol. 110, issue C

Abstract: 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. More importantly, using a motorized two-wheeler instead of a bicycle, e-bicycle, or scooter is key. It seems to be the best way to ensure a good level of earnings for on-demand instant delivery workers. However, there are legal and environmental dilemmas. Primarily, French law mandates that freelance delivery drivers obtain a specific license before utilizing mopeds for delivery purposes, a license that most of them do not have. Moreover, the energy consumption of mopeds is higher than that of bicycles and electric scooters by a factor of twenty, presenting significant environmental concerns.

Keywords: Gig workers; Food delivery; Instant delivery; Delivery income; Algorithmic management; Energy consumption; Logistics; Transportation modes; Transportation supply (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101545

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