The courier driving economy is constantly changing.
Although Uber and Lyft are still the leading players in gig-driving worldwide, there are always new competitors and startups.
If you live in Southern California, you might have heard of Ziro.
Is it worth signing up for, or should you stick with Uber?
This guide will tell you all about Ziro, including its requirements, unique features, perks for drivers, and how to sign up.
Once you know more about the company, you can decide whether driving for it is worth it to you.
Table Of Contents
What is Ziro?
Ziro is a ridesharing app, much like Uber and Lyft.
However, Ziro has a few different features, primarily benefiting the drivers.
The company is also hyper-localized, only serving certain cities in Southern California.
Ziro offers an app without platform fees, so they don’t have to make money off of driver’s commissions.
Zero-fee commissions up the amount of money each Ziro driver can make and tips.
Ziro also has rider-specific features, such as the option for carbon-neutral rides, a referral program, and a user-friendly rider app.
Related: List of ridesharing companies
How Does Ziro Work?
Ziro works like many other rideshare programs.
There are two separate apps, one for the driver and one for the rider.
When a rider books a Ziro ride on their app, it shows up as available, and drivers can claim it in their app.
Once a ride is claimed and completed, the rider pays, and the driver receives payment.
A rider can also add tips to their overall price.
With a few notable changes, Ziro is a new version of many other rideshare apps and should be easy to figure out and operate.
Where Does Ziro Operate?
Ziro is a California startup and operates mainly in California cities.
Although it’s constantly expanding and adding new cities, the company still only works in Southern California.
Here is a list of the cities available for Ziro drivers:
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- Campbell
- Cupertino
- Castro Valley
- Daly City
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Milpitas
- Mountain View
- Oakland
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- Richmond
- San Bruno
- San Jose
- San Leandro
- San Mateo
- San Pablo
- San Rafael
- Union City
Ziro has a list of cities that will soon be added, expanding the locations and allowing more drivers to join.
The larger the startup becomes, the more likely it will be able to expand beyond California.
Who Can Be a Ziro Driver?
Like all rideshare apps, Ziro has specific requirements for its drivers.
If you have each of these requirements already, you are likely to be able to drive for Ziro.
Look at this list of requirements to see if you can go for Ziro.
Ziro Driver Requirements
The Ziro driver requirements are an essential part of driving for Ziro.
They will perform a background check that focuses on driving-related incidents.
If you have a good driving record, you’ll likely be able to sign up successfully.
Here are the requirements to become a driver with Ziro:
- 21 Years Old
- Previous Rideshare Driving Experience
- Own a Smartphone
- Auto insurance
- Driver’s License
- Pass a Background Check
A unique requirement for Ziro is that you have to have some experience with rideshare apps.
If you’ve never driven for a rideshare app, you won’t be able to apply to Ziro.
However, hopeful applicants can work as Uber drivers for a few months before using it.
Ziro Vehicle Requirements
If passengers are going to ride in the car, it’s crucial that you have a working vehicle.
The vehicle requirements for Ziro are somewhat included in the driver requirements.
You have to have car insurance for your car, no matter what kind of car it is.
Here are the current driver requirements for Ziro:
- 5-8 Seats
- 4 Doors
- 2004 Model or Newer in Some Cities
- 2003 Model or Newer in Some Cities
In San Francisco and San Jose, you need a car that is at least a 2004 model.
However, in all the other cities on the list, the requirement is a 2003 model.
If you want to drive in multiple cities, we recommend you insure your car is newer than 2004, just to be safe!
What is it Like to Be a Ziro Driver?
Being a Ziro driver has specific roles and responsibilities, just like any job.
However, the day-to-day actions are similar to driving for Uber or Lyft.
You will drop off and pick up passengers while getting paid and be able to keep any tips you receive.
Driving with Ziro is unique because the company requires you to have some ridesharing experience.
Therefore, you will likely already have an Uber or Lyft account before you start driving with Ziro and can make comparisons between the two yourself.
The shared experience of driving with Ziro is that it is very similar to any other rideshare app but has unique features that make it worth investing in.
For drivers, Ziro is preferred because it doesn’t charge service fees and is a carbon-neutral company.
Pros of Being a Ziro Driver
Here are some of the pros of Ziro:
- Carbon neutral – the company will plant a tree for every five rides.
- Referral bonus – if you refer a friend to drive, you both receive a bonus
- Zero fees – no extra fees for riders or drivers
- Support – the customer and driver support is beneficial.
Cons of Being a Ziro Driv
Of course, no rideshare app is perfect.
Here are some negatives to the app and driving experience:
- Location – only available in Southern California
- Background – the company requires other rideshare experience
- App – because Ziro is a new company, the app isn’t as consistent
How Much Do Ziro Drivers Make?
Of course, the main reason drivers would switch to Ziro or add it to their list of apps is the price point.
How much do Ziro drivers make each day?
Is it worth adding another app, or is it better to stick with Uber and Lyft for consistency?
The tipping point for Ziro drivers is the lack of fees.
Where Uber requires platform and service fees, Ziro was founded with drivers and passengers in mind.
There are no hidden fees, and other than government and state taxes, you’ll be able to keep whatever you make.
Customers are more likely to tip when they don’t have to pay extra fees, which also helps Ziro drivers make more money.
They have the lowest possible amount of fees on top of their rate, which ends in the most affordable ride.
Average Rates for Ziro Drivers
According to the Ziro website, the average Ziro driver can make $35+ an hour with tips.
This is compared to Uber’s $29 an hour.
$6 an hour more is a vast improvement and is primarily due to the lack of driver fees.
Of course, these are only the average rates.
Ziro (or Uber) drivers will often make less than this on a slow day or much more on a busy one.
The price for a trip depends on how long the journey takes and the miles are driven.
You won’t make as much money if you don’t move as much.
To get paid by Ziro, you’ll sign up for a Stripe account and request your first payment.
The first transaction takes a few days, but after that, the funds will enter your bank account in under 48 hours each time.
Average Tips for Ziro Drivers
Of course, Ziro drivers get to keep 100% of the tips they make.
These tips vary widely, as some passengers tip generously and others don’t tip at all.
However, the average rideshare driver receives anywhere from 10-20% in a tip.
Unlike Uber and Lyft, where tips make up almost half of a driver’s income after fees, Ziro’s tips are the icing on the cake.
By keeping your entire commission and your tip, you’ll be able to make much more in an hour.
How to Apply to Be a Ziro Driver
If you are qualified to become a Ziro driver and the idea of no fees and more tips sounds ideal to you, it’s time to apply on the Ziro website.
It’s a several-step process, but it’s easy to complete.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using Ziro.
- Fill out the application form on Ziro (basic information about yourself)
- Verify your phone number via text message
- Download the application (only available on Android or iOS)
- In the app, provide your vehicle information and insurance documents.
- Personalize the types of rides you will offer (pet-friendly, economy, etc.).
- Begin driving for Ziro and making money
The entire application process is relatively simple and only requires a few official documents.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license, proof of car ownership, and proof of insurance.
Once the app is downloaded to your phone, you can add all of this to it.
You’ll have to sign up for a payment account with Stripe as well.
Final Thoughts
Ziro is a new rideshare app that focuses on the well-being of the drivers, the passengers, and the planet.
With carbon-neutral driving and a no-fees system, it’s set to become a favorite amongst courier drivers.
If you are interested, sign up for Ziro today!
