News

Domino's deploys e-bike delivery nationwide in US

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August 13, 2019

Domino's stores nationwide in the U.S. will soon have the option to use custom e-bikes for pizza delivery through the brand's partnership with e-bike brand, Rad Power Bikes after a successful testing period, according to a news release. In fact, Domino's will put "hundreds" of e-bikes into use at corporate stores in Miami, Salt Lake City, Baltimore and Houston later this year. 

"Domino's tested e-bikes in a number of corporate-owned stores across Houston, Miami and New York earlier this year, and those stores saw improvements in overall delivery and service," Domino's Executive Vice President of Corporate Operations Tom Curtis, said in the release. "They also experienced labor benefits, as the stores were able to hire from a wider pool of candidates, including those who might not have a car or driver's license. Plus, stores that were already delivering with traditional bikes saw improved team member satisfaction with e-bikes."

The bikes use small motors to boost an operator's pedaling power and can run for 25-40 miles before recharging, the brand said. Domino's custom e-bikes include front and rear insulated soft-sided cargo areas, which can hold Domino's Heatwave bags, drinks, sides, and dipping cups. 

One e-bike can hold up to 12 large pizzas. The bikes are equipped with front and rear lights, reflective materials for driver safety, and can go as fast as 20 miles per hour as a top assisted speed. 

Pizza delivery by bike and e-bike is common worldwide, with the U.S. one of the few places where auto-based delivery is the norm, in most cities save large metro areas like New York and Seattle.

"E-bikes make a huge difference in my stores," Seattle Domino's franchisee Greg Keller, said in the release. "While delivery on a traditional bike solved many of our traffic and parking issues, the hills in Seattle were tough on even our best cyclists. E-bikes were a game-changer for us, and we've been delivering with them for three years now. We have been able to save money, provide better service, increase hiring and maintain a happy workforce."