Side Hustle Series: Making Money Charging Scooters
Impact-Site-Verification: -2093815868 Happy October, everyone! Three months left to go in 2019. It doesn’t feel like fall at all here in Atlanta. I want to start this month off with a bang. Today’s post is the next installment of the Side Hustle Series. I had a chance to interview a young brother who has made a killing by making money charging Bird & Lime scooters.
MJ Bridges is a high school math teacher and HBCU graduate in Atlanta, GA. MJ became “Young & Debt Free” on August 16, 2019, after eliminating $96,942 of student loan and consumer debt in 5.5 years.
MJ’s success with debt elimination is credited to self-discipline and side hustling. In the last nine months alone, MJ has side hustled over $26,000 from charging electric scooters such as Bird and Lime. Let’s get started with the interview.
How did you get into side hustling?
One day I was taking a run through the hood, and I saw this guy throwing scooters onto the bed of his pick-up truck. I then saw a YouTube video of individuals from the LA area sharing their story of making $2500 monthly. At that moment, I said, “SIGN ME UP!”
How many different side hustles have you done?
Well, I have always had other jobs during my debt-free journey, such as tutoring and working at a nightclub. However, this is the only one where I can dictate when I want to work. But, four jobs.
What has been your best side hustle to date?
Hands down, the scooters!!!! I love this!!!
Why have charging scooters worked for you?
It has worked for me because:
- I dedicated the time – Sacrificed the majority of my social life, and my one and only goal is to make money!
- My location – I live in a scooter heavy neighborhood
- My apartment happens to be next to the elevator
- I have established a routine
- I also keep up with e-scooter news
How many scooter companies are there out there?
In Atlanta, there are six e-scooter companies with permits.
How has the scooter game changed since you started?
It has changed so much, and I think for the best.
A. Since I have started, e-scooters have become widely popular and almost NORMAL in cities across America.
Lawmakers are now accepting that these are the future! The term Micro-mobility is out and present!
B. There are four more scooter companies in ATL! When I started, it was only Bird and Lime.
C. They have increased their fleet size. Most companies have a max of 2,000 scooters per company on the streets of ATL.
D. They have made significant changes to my job as a charger, such as later times to release and updated software.
What would you tell someone that’s just starting out?
Create a routine and learn about the neighborhoods!
You’re debt-free now; how does that feel?
It feels AMAZING!!! I do not know how else to feel. I’ve been on this journey for 5.5 years! It is crazy! All I do is look at Real Estate apps now. It’s time to jump into the real estate and investment game!
What kept you motivated during this journey?
My vision has kept me motivated! I am big on creating the life you want and desire. I wrote it down. I manifested it, and I worked hard to get here!
Anything else people should know?
Simply cut out the “extra” outings and travel from your social life! If you can sacrifice a year of social activities, less shopping, frugal living, and side hustling- You can improve your financial life by 3-5 years! Of course, this looks different for everyone.
How can people get in contact with you?
Follow me on Instagram @younganddebtfreeatl
Other Side Hustle Series Interviews
Side Hustle Series: Simply Insurance
Side Hustle Series: Have You Considered Blogging
Side Hustle Series: Investing in the Stock Market
Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.