In the hustle and bustle of modern city life, electric scooters have emerged as a popular, eco-friendly mode of transportation, providing convenience and flexibility to daily commuters. But beyond their utility as a mode of transport, e-scooters have also opened up new avenues for enterprising individuals looking to supplement their income.
One such opportunity lies in the world of e-scooter charging — a task combining technological savvy with logistical planning. In this article, we will explore the details of the e-scooter charging job, its potential as a source of income and strategies to maximize earnings.
What is Scooter Charging?
As e-scooter companies scale up their operations, introducing thousands of scooters to cities, they encounter a rapid need to employ more people to keep those scooters charged. One of the solutions for companies like Bird, Lime, Spin, and others has been the rollout of paid charging programs.
Thus, scooter charging revolves around applying to respective programs and charging scooters for profit. The instructions on how to make money charging scooters are similar across major scooter companies:
- Choose a Scooter Company: Research and select a scooter-sharing company operating in your area, such as Lime, Bird, or Spin. Each company has its own procedures and payment structures.
- Check the Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic requirements, such as being over 18, having a valid driver’s license, and, sometimes optionally, having a vehicle.
- Apply Online or Through Apps: Visit the chosen company’s website or dedicated scooter apps and look for the section about becoming a charger or a similar role. Complete the online application, which will require your personal information, vehicle details, and possibly a background check consent.
- Get the Necessary Equipment: Once approved, you’ll need charging equipment. Some companies provide chargers for free or for a deposit, while others, e.g., Lime, might require you to purchase them.
- Undergo Training: Most companies will offer training materials, such as online tutorials or guides, to teach you how to properly collect, charge, and deploy the scooters.
- Start Charging: Use the dedicated scooter app to find and collect scooters that need charging. Charge them at your designated area, and then deploy them at specified locations as the app instructs.
- Receive Payment: Companies typically pay chargers per scooter charged.
How Much Do Chargers Earn?
In many cities, the abundance of scooters in need of charge—and the payout for charging them—has made scooter charging a legitimate side gig. Let’s consider a few numbers, starting from the base payout for taking and charging scooters.
- Bird scooter chargers, as per reports from different articles, will often find the average payout to range between $3 to $5.
- Lime chargers, also referred to as ‘juicers‘, may also expect a base payout of $3 to $5.
- Spin chargers are more likely to receive a constant base payout of $5.
Naturally, certain factors can increase the payout amount—for instance, the particular location of a scooter or its charge level before pickup. Time of day could also be a factor in how much money a scooter could bring.
However, what’s most important to calculate is the amount of money spent on retrieving and charging the scooters. Although vehicle fuel consumption and electricity plans are subjective, what is more objective is the amount of electricity needed to charge the scooters.
What are the Tactics for Gaining the Most Revenue?
Optimizing your efficiency is crucial once you’ve set yourself up as a charger. Proficient chargers devise tactics to optimize their profits while reducing costs and exertion. This entails organizing the best routes for scooter pickup and delivery and scheduling charging times to guarantee that every scooter is charged and prepared for use by the appointed time.
- Understanding the Market: Familiarize yourself with the demand patterns in your city. Busy areas, tourist spots, or places with high foot traffic usually have more scooters available for charging.
- Efficient Routing: Plan your pickup and drop-off routes intelligently. Use maps and apps to optimize your travel path, reducing fuel costs and time spent.
- Prioritize High-Payout Scooters: Some scooters offer higher payouts due to factors like low battery levels or difficult locations. Prioritizing these can maximize your earnings.
- Time Management: Pick up and deploy scooters during the most efficient times. For example, collecting scooters in the evening when they are likely to be used up and redeploying them early in the morning.
- Bulk Charging: If possible, charge multiple scooters at once. Certain charging extensions allow this.
- Manage Your Expenses: Keep a close tab on your expenses, including fuel, electricity, and any maintenance costs for your vehicle or equipment. This helps in understanding your actual profits.
- Network with Other Chargers: Joining forums or local groups of other scooter chargers can provide valuable tips and information on high-demand areas or times.
- Diversify with Multiple Companies: If possible, work with more than one scooter company to increase the number of scooters available for you to charge.
Conclusion
The e-scooter charging job emerges as an innovative and practical side gig in the fast-paced urban environment. It offers a unique way for individuals to earn additional income and contributes to the sustainability of city transportation. As we have explored, becoming a charger is straightforward, involving selecting a company, meeting basic requirements, and obtaining the necessary equipment.
Also Read: Best all terrain Electric Scooters of 2023
