Susan Powter, an Australian motivational speaker and nutritionist, said that she has been delivering for Uber Eats for nearly a decade after facing financial difficulties. She made this revelation during a podcast interview on February 25.
"I literally moved to Seattle and started teaching aerobics classes in an elementary school basement," said Powter. "Betrayal that I have never felt. What a letdown."
According to its website, Uber Eats operates in over 11,500 cities across 45 countries and serves 95 million users worldwide. The platform is supported by a network of 7 million monthly drivers and couriers, who now benefit from enhanced safety features such as "Record My Ride" and Verified Rider Badges. Recent app updates aim to improve driver experiences by optimizing navigation, increasing earning opportunities, and offering clearer fare breakdowns.
Lendingtree reports that rideshare drivers often encounter higher insurance premiums compared to regular drivers. On average, adding rideshare coverage to a personal auto insurance policy increases rates by approximately $31 per month, bringing the total to around $199 monthly. This elevated cost is primarily due to the increased risks associated with commercial driving activities.
Powter, known for her "Stop the Insanity!" infomercial in the '90s, lost millions due to financial mismanagement and lawsuits, eventually declaring bankruptcy in 1995. Once selling $50 million in products annually, she left television over creative frustrations and later faced financial struggles. Now residing in a low-income senior community, Powter continues to work while sharing her story in a new memoir.