Jul 13, 2016
disillusioned So I've been a bit bored on weekends when the wife is at work and rather than sitting around, I thought it'd be fun/funny to start driving for Uber for a few hours at a time. I put in about 6 hours this weekend.
Top questions so far:
Made about $100, so, chiseling away at my monthly payment bit by bit!
- "Wait, this is an UberX?" (I'm eligible for Uber Select, but it turns out, not too many opt in to paying double.)
- "How much was this car?"
- "Do you make enough driving Uber for this car?"
- "Is this like, a promotion or contest or something?"
Thinking about setting up a GoPro and then recording people's launch reactions and posting them to YouTube (with rider's signed release/permission, of course.)
Anybody else an eccentric crazy person?�
Jul 13, 2016
AZ Desert Driver Last week I went to Scottsdale and experienced the Ludicrous launch. Four adults in the car and it was umphhh. It actually hurt. I wanted to have my flight g-suit on, as I could feel the blood draining away from my brain. If I was driving, I could not control the car safely for those few launch seconds. My buddy in the back seat quietly complained of hurting during launch. We all agreed it was not so much fun.
Would I like to have my cabby hurt me? ahh - it was an interesting experience I was prepared for, but I would not want my ride home from an overseas trip to inflict this launch on me. Your tip may go up if your passengers love the launch - but may not if I was your fare.�
Jul 13, 2016
Patrick W A friend drives for Uber using a "normal" car and really likes it.
So I looked into it but went no further when my insurance agent suggested it was a bad idea.
What did your insurance person say?�
Jul 13, 2016
andrewket I'd triple check your insurance situation. You're likely not covered.�
Jul 13, 2016
cronosx Why is it? you are the one driving..
( just curiosity )�
Jul 13, 2016
disillusioned It's actually a corporate lease with robust commercial insurance, which covers allllllll sorts of fun. Uber then provides additional significant liability insurance (up to $1M, though secondary to a commercial insurance policy) and comprehensive and collision overage as well.�
Jul 13, 2016
disillusioned It's kind of all about reading the room, right? I'd only launch anyone explicitly excited at the prospect. Pulling 1.1g can definitely feel unpleasant, and I always tell friends to put their heads back against the headrest when I launch them, which helps.�
Jul 13, 2016
AZ Desert Driver True that. I asked for it, got it, was alerted to put heads back and seat belts adjusted, and BAMM. thats reading the room. But after two launches, I wanted no more. He sold me into not buying Ludi.
BTW - I felt like the launch strained the car as much as it strained the passengers. Just a feeling. . Do you have any guess as to ..reduced tire life, higher maint on suspension, reduced motor/battery life..any thing that would be consumed quicker with launch vs egg-foot?�
Jul 13, 2016
blee321 this is so dumb. u own a P90D I'd hope you have an avenue to generate more income/better spend your time...�
Jul 13, 2016
Spidy Commercial driving is usually not covered by the basic insurance policies most people have.�
Jul 13, 2016
Patrick W I don't know that I'd agree. If he enjoys it and it makes sense financially AND he gets to introduce folks to the greatest vehicle on the planet, why not?�
Jul 13, 2016
HankLloydRight What's it any of your business to judge/criticize what someone else decides to do with their time, money, or car?
If it makes him happy and relieves him of boredom, that's all that really matters.
I've considered many times to start driving for Uber or Lyft just for fun and a few bucks when I'm sitting idle waiting for other things. It's not "so dumb".�
Jul 13, 2016
EinSV This sounds like a lot of fun for you and the lucky passengers.
I saw someone driving a new white P85 (still had the "Zero Emissions" plate) with a Lyft sticker on my way to work in San Francisco Monday -- put a smile on my face thinking of the kick the passengers were going to get when they got picked up.�
Jul 13, 2016
Kensiko Reading those type of messages makes me even more wanting a ride !!! Someday, someday !!!�
Jul 13, 2016
andrewket I used Uber last week from CDG into Paris. I was picked up in a model S. The driver shares the car with one other person, and they take shifts. The car is basically moving or charging 24/7. It had 63km on it in 9 months.
If Uber's supplemental insurance will provide sufficient coverage for a fully loaded X, more power to you. I too have thought it might be fun from time to time, but the insurance issues combined with the security risk was too much for me.�
Jul 13, 2016
gavine There's a YouTube channel called "Tesla Racing Channel". They have a ludicrous-upgraded P85D. Just from the videos, they have done many full launches. I would bet that the car has been launched several hundred times. They claim that the car is still consistent in it's acceleration times so no performance degradation or reliability issues. The car has over 50,000 miles on it.
�
Jul 13, 2016
WannabeOwner I did some sums, but they don't seem to stack up well, for me.
8 hours a day (one person's shift) continuously hired 100%-utilisation (clearly unachievable!) and able to sustain 30 MPH average, and 70c per mile (the profit I have read after charging [6c per mile] and Uber's cut) is US$ 168 per day.
63,000 miles, in 9 months, split over two shifts / drivers, is 116 miles per day. @ 70c per mile that is US$ 81 per dayA driver-less, autonomous, vehicle making US$ 162 a day would get my attention though!
Doing it for fun is a different matter of course�
Jul 13, 2016
buckerine Not sure who's dumber here. I've thought about driving my upcoming Tesla for Uber just for kicks and giggles and clearly not for the money. Single track mind, you've got there...�
Jul 13, 2016
matrix4123 Delete your account.
Who cares what people do. He was sharing his enthusiasm on the site, not looking for criticism.�
Jul 13, 2016
cronosx Every time i buy a new car i seek every possible excuse to go out an drive it, uber seems a pretty good excuse, and you can do it when and how you want.
If you are tired, you don't do it, if you want to have your fun, then you do it.
I would say it's perfect�
Jul 13, 2016
matrix4123 I just signed up as well to take people for a spin in my free time.
The insurance situation is bit interesting. When you have the Uber app running and have not picked up a rider, Uber does not provide collision and comprehensive and your personal insurance likely will not either. Once you have a passenger, Uber covers collision and comprehensive.�
Jul 13, 2016
cronosx Why not? how they will know you were driving around for uber?
I can understand if you have paid customer on your car.. but by definition it's not the case, so what's the problem?�
Jul 13, 2016
WannabeOwner Isn't that the same as "using your car to drive to work" at that point in time?�
Jul 13, 2016
HankLloydRight Question: If you're an Uber or Lyft driver with the app "on", do you have to be actively driving around, or can I sit in my living room and just pick and choose any fares that popup?�
Jul 13, 2016
matrix4123 It's the grey area of when you have the app running and before you have a passenger. Your insurance likely will not know you were running the app, but depending on how large/serious the claim is they could do some digging...
https://2q72xc49mze8bkcog2f01nlh-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/uber_insurance-graphics_700x560_r10_General-Insurance-Graphic.jpg�
Jul 13, 2016
matrix4123 You can, but it will prompt you every few minutes to go offline if you aren't moving around.�
Jul 13, 2016
HankLloydRight That kinda sucks, because that would be my use case 99% of the time. Maybe I won't do it then.
For instance, I read to be eligible for UberLux, you need to do at least 10 UberX drives first. Once I do that, I'd want to only respond to UberLux calls if/when the come in.�
Jul 13, 2016
Garlan Garner I say....if it makes him happy. Have at it. If I did everything that people though I should....I wouldn't be able to afford a Tesla in the first place.
There is room enough in the world for everyone's opinion, however I only have room enough to listen to my own. Garlan Garner.
Do your thing @disillusioned. Have fun.�
Jul 13, 2016
Model S M.D. I also considered doing this just for fun and to help raise awareness about Tesla/EVs. I think I'd technically qualify for UberBlack? The car is so darn fun to drive that I am finding any reason to drive, why not get paid for it? The looks on people's faces alone would be worth it. I bet you get 5 stars from everyone!
More power to you, keep us posted!�
Jul 13, 2016
xav- Renting the car out may be a better option financially.. I saw them go for $200 a day wirh only 100 miles. Of course after fees and taxes it's not worth it..�
Jul 13, 2016
EldestOyster He already stated this was a use of his spare time. What he does now, (reading and posting on TMC) is fairly respectable work, but driving his Tesla may be more fun and apparently earns him $100 more than he could get posting messages�
Jul 13, 2016
EldestOyster Part of the attraction of Uber is the response time to a call. Even if you can be out on the road in 90 seconds, that makes a 5 minute response time 6-1/2 minutes. I'm not sure how this works into the overall Uber-scape, but I'm sure they want to encourage fast availability.
I have a similar opinion regarding the insurance discussion. They have to make it work for everyone or else their business is going to suffer.�
Jul 13, 2016
Max* Ah, I see you're new! TMC starts paying you after you have 1,000 posts. Keep on trucking!�
Jul 13, 2016
scottm He doesn't own the car. It's a lease. And on warranty.
Drive it like a rental!! It's a car. Use it up.�
Jul 13, 2016
Dynastar I wonder if Uber could be a good way to get referrals? Stick some business cards back there with your referral code, stop Ubering when you have your limit.�
Jul 13, 2016
mspisars That's the spirit!�
Jul 13, 2016
Garlan Garner I like it. I like it.�
Jul 13, 2016
xav- So u spend 8 hours a day working non stop. You load your cars with miles which count against warranty. There's also all sort of questions with insurance. Then what's the pay off?
Why not just use turo and rent the car out and making money while drinking margaritas? I'd rather have a turo user add a 100 miles in my car than putting 100s of miles driving people around myself. Of course I'd rather keep the car for myself to begin with.
But unless uber present an option to the end user to ride in a model s (which they don't) I think it's a big waste of money to use the car that way.�
Jul 13, 2016
Garlan Garner Why does everything have to be profitable?
What is the price of a smile on a persons face. This world is going to pot because everyone wants to get over. Everyone wants to make a buck. Everyone wants to be the best and be the first. So what.
If ubering puts a smile on you face and joy in your heart.....go for it. Its not illegal nor immoral. Uber away.
If you own a MX, then I would assume you aren't scrounging for dollars somewhere in the gutter. And if you are fortunate enough to have excess time to accompany your TESLAS. I'm happy for you. Go for it!!!!�
Jul 13, 2016
buckerine Yeah, exactly. I don't think the prior poster understands that doing this isn't for the money, it's just for fun. In fact, it's probably get old after a few days.�
Jul 14, 2016
disillusioned Ha, that sums it up perfectly. My reference to chipping away at my monthly payment was tongue-in-cheek. Of course I'm not doing this for the money. It nets out to roughly $15-$20/hr for UberX. But I'm a social guy and when my wife is working a weekend day and I'm home just watching TV, I figured it might be really fun to show people the Tesla, drive around a bit, and get paid a bit of funny money as well. I've also had the idea of using it for networking, especially for airport pickups, but the airport queuing system is rough. (Lonnnng waits at times.)
It's a lease. It's well insured. I could be doing something else with my time, but that's also true when I play a video game or watch Netflix, and honestly, if I grow tired of it, which I'm expecting, I can never do it again, or only do it once a month, or whatever. It's kind of fun how flexible it is.
Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. Uber matches the literal closest match. If your home is in a neighborhood (vs. a city center with high density) you won't get any pings. I drive the mile down into downtown Phoenix and start lighting up, but at home, it's unlikely.
Your car has to be actually black int/ext for UberBlack, and there's some livery stuff that goes with it, so you're more likely to qualify for UberSelect or UberLux if your metro area has those. I haven't gotten any Select fares though (they're twice as much as X) and you can't choose to only get pings for Select, or rather, you can't right now.
So far, so good on the ratings!
![[?IMG]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t_ghBBdobZQ1K6jfqvvxiri3mdxUxG2o0kPlubvg1NC5YYZRr391dGAAn-i-cbklHcUKcQPI-cv3t1fw8zjF8Kbw=s0-d)
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Jul 14, 2016
Xenius Hey @disillusioned you ever have people tip you cash for the launches? I'm highly considering ubering a few times when I get my Model S. Not for the money (I could make more doing most anything), but for the fun, and the chance to get someone else hooked on an EV.
Plus there's a lot of college hotties around here (the wife won't mind, I'm sure!).�
Jul 14, 2016
Model S M.D. I've got a Black/Black/Black/Black Tesla (Ext/Leather/Headliner/Tint). UberBlack basically requires you to qualify as a limo driver, correct? Sounds too complicated for me if I just wanted to drive for fun--UberSelect would probably be it.
Awesome rating! That "You the man" comment basically makes it all worth it. Keep us posted on your experiences and comments!
There's a P85 owner in Austin who also drivers for Uber. His thread is a good read: Driving the Model S for Uber + Lyft�
Jul 14, 2016
Trips I drive for Uber maybe once a month or every six weeks. It can be a really fun job but everyone is correct that a Tesla is a terrible choice if you are looking to make money. In Nebraska an Uber driver is covered from the time they turn on the app until it is turned off.�
Jul 14, 2016
Garlan Garner Why would Tesla be a bad choice. Keep in mind that I know absolutely nothing about driving Uber. I'm just wondering why one car would be an advantage over another car. Do Uber riders get to select the car that they ride in? Is tesla a bad car because its electric and has to charge? Is it because Teslas are so expensive and it would be difficult to recoup your money from? Why is Tesla a bad choice for Uber to make money with?�
Jul 14, 2016
Xenius I'm pretty sure @Trips meant it'd be dumb to buy a Tesla for the purpose of driving for Uber. It'd be better to buy an econobox if you were going to drive for Uber as your sole/main source of income.
That said, doing it for fun like OP does is a great idea.�
Jul 14, 2016
Garlan Garner Ahh. That makes sense. Yeah, I will be ubering for fun once I receive my M3. Its going to be a hobby thing - not to make money.�
Jul 14, 2016
Sasmania Love what you are doing! I just re-activated my Uber driving account in Phoenix a few weeks ago as well! We might have to meet up at some point
I agree on many points - 1) This is NOT for the $, but it is a fun excuse to drive more and I guarantee IT SELLS TESLAS. I took a great couple on a Select ride who I asked "What was your initial impression of Tesla before getting in?" His reply? "I didn't know if we would make it all the way to the airport... I thought they were expensive toys. I'm VERY impressed...."
If you are truly interested in helping Elon "accelerate the transition to sustainable transport", driving for Uber is the best thing you can do! Not only are you taking the place of an ICE driven Uber each time you pick up someone, but you have the ability to educate and inform. Just yesterday I was able to set a passenger straight on the AutoPilot mis-information going around...
One thing though, you CAN drive UberBlack with any colored Tesla (the only one they make exceptions for) Mine is Blue/Tan.�
Jul 14, 2016
disillusioned Wait, what? Really? Uber states they're not taking new Black "partners" right now for PHX, so it might be moot, but I'll check with customer service. I've noticed basically 1:1 overlap between Black & Select in the pax app, which means Black drivers are just willing (or forced) to accept Select reqs as well.
I'll definitely check with them. In the mean time, I PMed you about meeting!�
Jul 14, 2016
JMG As an insurance agent, I implore anyone thinking about this to call their insurance company first. Do not strictly rely on Ubers insurance, especially with a Tesla. More and more companies are writing strict exclusions for all public livery uses.
OP, you may well be covered, but I would double check and prefer to have it in writing. Just because it's a commercial policy does not mean you are covered. Your policy was written with a specific usage in mind for rating purposes. A commercial auto policy for a consultant, realtor, manufacturer, etc is a whole different ballgame than hauling people. The liability is enormous.
And if anyone else has a personal auto policy with no special endorsement, there's a 95% chance you are not covered. There are insurance companies who have developed special policies and/or endorsement that will give you coverage, but you have to ask for it.�
Jul 14, 2016
Vip Agree with JMG. Certain insurance companies have what are called "Hybrid" insurance. It will cover you personally and any ridesharing driving you might do for Uber or Lyft. Don't need separate commercial insurance if you have this.�
Jul 14, 2016
Joules Verne Hmm, someone should run this concept by Elon. If Tesla put an incentive program behind this (e,g., match your uber payout). They might get a lot of traveling salesmen exposing the cars to new potential buyers.�
Jul 14, 2016
HankLloydRight It would be enough for Tesla to just cover the gap insurance issues mentioned above. They don't need to pay out or match uber rates.�
Jul 14, 2016
Garlan Garner If you are covered by Uber...why would you care about using your insurance while ubering?�
Jul 14, 2016
disillusioned There's a definite coverage gap: Uber's comprehensive/collision maxes out at $50k I believe, though their liability limits are up to $1M, and $1M uninsured/underinsured, so that part's good. But on the vehicle itself, you definitely need to have other insurance covering you.�
Jul 15, 2016
Xenius Anyone here use USAA and happen to know how their coverage works/doesn't work?�
Jul 15, 2016
BizJet I've been driving Uber passengers around Boston for a month in my Model X. It's not a way to make money -- but it's a great way to meet interesting people, and have great conversations. Boston Uber riders -- especially in the suburbs -- are very often members of the technology or professional community, and the conversations about electric vehicles, autopilot issues, etc. are almost uniformly interesting and valuable. I feel it is a really good way for me to do my part as an EV/Tesla enthusiast/evangelist!
One unique aspect of doing this in a Model X -- the look on the faces of Uber riders when you pull up and open the Falcon Wing Doors is absolutely priceless!
And the fans love it...
�
Jul 15, 2016
Vip Uber will cover you when you are working. More coverage if you have a passenger. Less coverage with no passenger. But also I've heard that Uber will request you go through your insurance first.
Things may be changing and evolving with the insurance companies but not too far in the recent past if the insurance company found out about your ridesharing they would drop you immediately.�
Jul 15, 2016
Ashkenaz I could care less what you do with your car. But when I can't get into a supercharger while on a cross country because a bunch of local uber teslas are staging there, I'm going to be miffed. There was a thread earlier about this being an issue in Europe.�
Jul 15, 2016
Ashkenaz Superchargers Amsterdam - Taxi Hangout�
Jul 15, 2016
BizJet If it makes you feel better, I personally have never used a single watt-hour of electricity from a SuperCharger on an Uber trip. Not a one.
There is a big difference between people doing it for fun vs. those doing it for profit.
That having been said, there is at least one company that is building its business model around the availability of free supercharging on city-to-city routes: www.tesloop.com.�
Jul 15, 2016
Sasmania I don't use an SC for local charging as there isn't one close enough to me anyway....
I understand people getting upset about waiting.. for anything. However, I would argue that anyone Ubering is not only taking an ICE vehicle off the road, but also spreading the word about Tesla in a much more dramatic way than those that don't. You just can't replicate the total experience of being driven in a Tesla. As someone who's road tripped to all 48 states, I'd happily wait a few extra minutes on the rare occasion that some other Tesla owners were Ubering others around town even though I'm also sure most would let a road tripper go first if asked. To me, it's about the bigger picture.�
Jul 17, 2016
asudan I did the same. It was a complete waste of my time. I did about 20 rides and didn't make enough to cover my coffee, let alone my time. I did meet some interesting people and a strip club have me a handful of free passes. Otherwise a complete waste of time.�
Aug 31, 2016
NikeWings I stopped at the LA-Culver City SC to top-up a loaner I was returning to the nearby SvC. Tesloop had 4 stalls occupied and quite a business underway. Several drivers showed 'up for work', ready to take a freshly charged Tesla and one was being waxed-up in the lot. I spoke with the 2 owners (the parking lot appears to be their HQ) who were very nice, and they said business was fabulous. They were expanding outside of so cal while working around the clock to support the LA-OC-Vegas demand. Additional Ss and Xs on order. City to City Travel in Semi-Autonomous Electric Vehicles�
Aug 31, 2016
mhan00 Because Uber has limited coverage in period one (when you have the app on but no ping or passenger), your insurance might drop your ass in a hot second if they find out you're using your car for Uber and insurance rates will rise since every insurance company out there will know your insurance dropped you, and I believe in most cases Uber will try to force you to claim on your insurance first and try to use their insurance as supplementary.
The possible liabilities can be enormous since you will be on the hook for medical costs for your passengers. In period one, even here in CA where Uber is required to provide insurance for all three periods, they only cover liability and not collision. If you want to do Uber, make sure your insurance company is okay with it or look for a company that offers ride share insurance. It doesn't matter as much for people using their beaters or Prii, but if you wreck in a Tesla insurance companies and Lawyers are going to be all up in your *sugar* because a Tesla screams "I have assets to go after" and you want to make sure your ass is covered with no risk.�
Aug 31, 2016
mhan00 I would expect Tesla to crack down on this sooner or later.�
Aug 31, 2016
mhan00 I drove for Uber for a couple of months in my Leaf when my lease was about to expire and I still had thousands of miles to go. It was kind of fun and I met a bunch of friendly people, but it's no way to make money unless you put in the hours to meet certain incentive thresholds for Uber (which will vary depending on your city) and I wasn't interested in doing that. I basically never went online unless surge pricing went to at least 2.0. You can sit at home or in a coffee shop while waiting for a ping, but be aware that your location will show up on the Uber app so technically people could figure out where you live with a little effort. The people are generally cool, but one ass hole can ruin your whole experience, especially when it's an entitled dick hole who treats you like you're his/her personal valet and servant for a $2.60 fare.
Select rates are much better, but depending on your location, Uber might force you to get X and Pool pings so you can't get exclusive Select pings. Demand for Select is also much softer, and from what I've heard drivers who know good areas for pings guard that info carefully, and one Select driver told me that he's had other drivers knock on his window and not so subtly threaten him to get out of "their" area.
If you want to try it, it isn't a bad way to make some extra money, but I'd be very wary of doing it in a car as expensive as an S and I would make absolutely certain your insurance won't drop you if they figure out what you're doing.�
Aug 31, 2016
NikeWings Its tough to straddle supporting their enterprising efforts and cracking down. I've seen a few owners far less hospitable, discourteous and quite unpleasant - with everyone paying their lifelong free charging fees, how do you crack down and on who?�
Aug 31, 2016
cbin97 I love that you are doing Uber for fun, you are spreading the Tesla Gospel. Deadmau5 takes people around as an Uber driver in his Mclaren in Canada when he is bored.�
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