Core Insights - The rise of part-time delivery riders, including office workers and students, is reshaping the food delivery landscape, driven by the increasing demand for delivery services during peak hours [1][18][22] - The gig economy model allows these riders to work flexibly, choosing when to accept orders, which appeals to many who seek additional income or a new experience [12][21][22] Group 1: Part-time Delivery Riders - Part-time delivery riders, known as "crowd-sourced riders," have lower entry barriers compared to full-time riders, making it an attractive option for many [2][18] - The onboarding process for crowd-sourced riders includes completing identity verification and online training, which covers essential topics like food safety and delivery protocols [2][4] - Many part-time riders are motivated by factors beyond income, such as fitness, exploring the city, or simply enjoying the ride [12][14][16] Group 2: Economic Impact - The ongoing "delivery wars" have significantly increased the volume of food delivery orders, leading to a shortage of delivery capacity [19][22] - Data indicates that platforms like Hummingbird and Meituan have seen substantial growth in daily active users (DAU), with Hummingbird's DAU increasing over 200% since April 2025 [19] - The influx of part-time riders helps alleviate the pressure on delivery platforms by handling overflow orders during peak times, thus supporting the overall delivery ecosystem [18][19] Group 3: Rider Experience - The experience of part-time riders varies, with some enjoying the flexibility and immediate feedback from their work, while others face challenges such as difficult weather conditions and logistical issues [7][8][16] - Riders often find the work rewarding, as it allows them to engage with their city and its residents, providing a sense of contribution to the community [16][22] - The gamification of the delivery process, with rewards and incentives, can lead to an addictive experience for some riders [15][21]