The world’s largest pizza chain will roll out e-bike delivery in states across the country following a successful pilot test.
With increasing traffic congestion and choked city streets, the “30 minutes or less” pizza promise has become an increasing challenge. That’s why Domino’s Pizza sought an alternative to the delivery-by-car paradigm in the U.S. And following a pilot program in states like New York, Texas, and Florida, the $5.5 billion pizza giant found e-bikes often outperformed vehicles.
“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,” Tom Curtis, Domino’s executive vice president of corporate operations, said in a press release this week. “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.”
So, beginning later this year, Domino’s will roll out dedicated e-bike delivery across corporate-owned stores in Miami, Salt Lake City, Baltimore, and Houston. The move also highlights a major partnership between the Michigan-based Domino’s and Seattle’s Rad Power Bikes, America’s largest manufacturer of e-bikes.
Domino’s Pizza Delivery by E-Bike
This week’s announcement marks a significant push within the American market, though Domino’s acknowledged bike delivery still remains a major player globally.
Some store owners pointed to the rise of e-bikes as the driver behind the brand’s — and the country’s — adoption of bike delivery.
“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,” Seattle Domino’s franchisee Greg Keller said. “E-bikes were a game-changer for us, and we’ve been delivering with them for 3 years now. We have been able to save money, provide better service, increase hiring, and maintain a happy workforce.”
To begin, Domino’s will launch a fleet of hundreds of e-bikes in select cities. The bikes will be specially equipped versions of Rad Power’s step-through model. Domino’s claims each bike will be able to hold up to 12 pizzas inside front and rear insulated bags.
And, depending on the load, the pedal-assist bikes will have a range between 25 and 40 miles, and a top speed of 20 mph. Every bike will also sport integrated front and rear lights.
Domino’s did not announce future plans for e-bike delivery beyond select markets later this year.
