We’ve all heard about Uber and the flexibility it offers as a side gig. Not only does Uber allow you to drive on your own schedule, but they have multiple options when it comes to the type of side gig you can choose. Namely Uber Eats and the various iterations of their ridesharing products such as uberX, uberXL, uberSELECT, etc.

You may have wondered about some of the differences between Uber Eats and Uber ridesharing when it comes to choosing a side gig. Here I’ve outlined some of those differences.

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The Gigs Themselves

What’s Different?

With Uber Eats, you will be picking up food from restaurants and delivering it to customers whereas with the Uber Driver app, you will be picking up riders and taking them to their chosen destinations.

There’s less customer interaction when you are an Uber Eats Delivery Partner as riders won’t actually get in your car like they do with uberX. If you are a talkative person that can provide local info for travelers interested in hotel or restaurant recommendations, then being a Driver Partner might be a good option for you.

Uber Eats has a wider range of vehicles that you can perform deliveries with, including bicycles depending on your location. Plus, you can become a delivery partner if you are 19 years old, as opposed to 21 if you are a driver partner.

What’s the Same?

Both types of gigs use the same Uber Driver app that alerts you when a rider is ready for pickup or a food order is ready for delivery. Whether you are a Driver Partner or Delivery Partner, you will be eligible to receive tips through the app from customers.

Also both types of gigs allow for InstantPay, which lets you cash out your earnings to a debit card instantly up to 5 times per day.

The Sign-Up Process

Both gigs have easy sign-up processes. You’ll enter your name, email and other information, then set up a log-in. You’ll also need to consent to the background screening, uploaded the required documents, and download the Driver App.

If you sign up through the “Driver Partner” sign-up page (which you can access here) and your background screening clears, you’ll be eligible to do rideshare driving, whereas if you sign-up through the “Delivery Partner” sign-up page and your background clears (which you can access here), you’ll be eligible for delivery driving.

It is also possible to be BOTH an Uber Driver Partner and an Uber Eats Delivery Partner- more on that later.

The Primary Requirements

For Uber

Driver Requirements:
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (3
years if you are under 23 years old)
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Use an eligible 4-door vehicle

For Uber Eats

To Deliver with a Car:
• Be at least 19 years old
• Have a 2-door or 4- door car made after 1997
• Driver’s license and vehicle insurance must be valid
• Have at least one year of licensed driving experience

To Deliver with a Scooter:
• Be at least 19 years old
• Any make or model 2-wheel scooter
• Must have motor of 50cc or less that travels no faster than 30 mph

To Deliver with a Bike:
• Bicycle Delivery age requirements vary by location
• Have a state-issued ID
• When signing up be sure to choose ‘Biking’ under transportation
method

*Vehicles allowed for delivery vary by city

Can I Drive with Both Uber Eats and Uber?

The answer is YES! You can deliver with Uber Eats AND drive with UberX, but will need to select the option you’d like to use and move between the two. Once you are approved to drive with either of the side gigs, you will need to contact Uber and request to get approved with the other type of side gig.

So for example, if you sign up on the Uber Eats sign-up page and your background screening clears you will then need to contact Uber and request that you get approved to drive with uberX as well.

Once you’ve agreed to the terms, you’ll be eligible to receive both rider requests for pickups and food requests for deliveries through the Uber Driver app.

Conclusion

Both options can be great ways to pick up some extra income on the side around your schedule. I’ve been delivering with Uber Eats myself and have found it to be a very simple and streamlined experience. You can hear more about my experiences with UberEATS here.

Are you ready to see what becoming a Delivery Partner or Driver Partner with Uber is like for yourself? Follow the links below to sign up with Uber!

Sign Up to Become an Uber Driver Partner Here

Sign Up to Become an Uber Eats Delivery Partner Here

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