Food delivery rider on motorbike in São Paulo traffic

A food delivery rider on a motorbike navigates São Paulo's heavy traffic, a symbol of the precarious work in digital platforms.

About this subject

The food delivery rider on a motorbike is an ubiquitous figure on São Paulo's streets, especially during peak hours. These workers, mostly linked to apps like iFood, Rappi, and Uber Eats, face exhausting shifts and constant risks in the chaotic traffic of Brazil's largest metropolis. According to IPEA data, the number of app-based delivery workers in Brazil jumped from about 200,000 in 2018 to over 1.5 million in 2023, reflecting the rapid growth of the delivery sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their routine is marked by the absence of formal employment, meaning no paid vacation, 13th salary, FGTS, or unemployment insurance. In São Paulo, the fleet of motorcycles used for delivery is estimated at over 300,000 vehicles, many in poor maintenance conditions. The city records an average of 3 fatal accidents per day involving motorcyclists, according to CET, and delivery riders are among the main victims.

São Paulo's traffic, one of the most congested in the world with jams reaching 300 km on critical days, forces riders to seek alternative routes and race against time to meet algorithmic delivery targets. The average pay per trip ranges from R$6 to R$10, requiring a high number of daily deliveries to earn a minimum wage. Many report working over 12 hours a day, six days a week.

Despite visibility, the category still fights for regulation. Bills in Congress, such as PL 133/2023, propose creating a special autonomous worker category with partial rights but face platform resistance. Meanwhile, riders remain the fragile link in a chain that moves billions of reais annually in Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many app-based delivery workers are there in Brazil?

It is estimated that there are over 1.5 million app-based delivery workers in Brazil, according to IPEA data from 2023, a number that has grown exponentially since 2018.

What are the main risks faced by motorcycle delivery riders in São Paulo?

Main risks include traffic accidents, urban violence (robberies), and poor working conditions such as long hours and low pay. In São Paulo, about 3 motorcyclists die in traffic every day.

What is the average pay for a delivery rider in Brazil?

Average pay per trip ranges from R$6 to R$10, depending on the platform and distance. To earn a minimum wage, a rider needs to complete 20 to 30 deliveries per day.