Meituan (美团) launches "waist‑support" delivery box for riders, priced at 59.9 yuan

Product and purpose

Meituan (美团) has unveiled a padded "waist‑support" meal box accessory aimed at easing lumbar strain for its food‑delivery riders. The company says the upgrade was designed around riders' real needs; it has been reported that more than 200 couriers trialed prototypes and that their feedback shaped the final design — from the foam firmness to the box dimensions and attachment method. Can a simple cushioning accessory make long shifts less punishing? Meituan is betting it can.

Design and compatibility

The cushion uses 3D high‑elastic memory foam and is wrapped in water‑repellent Oxford fabric so riders can lean back while waiting for orders, ride with something supporting their lower back, and avoid rain‑soaked mildew. Reportedly the unit fixes directly to existing rear seats without removing the original delivery case, using dual elastic straps and multiple mounting points; it is said to be compatible with plastic and aluminium boxes and features quick‑release fixtures for fast battery swaps.

Availability and price

The accessory has been listed in Meituan's rider marketplace on its crowdsourcing app and is priced at 59.9 yuan. Meituan presents the product as a low‑cost, practical improvement to daily comfort for its large fleet of couriers, and the company emphasizes that the release followed hands‑on testing with riders rather than being a top‑down add‑on.

Wider context

The launch comes amid greater public and regulatory scrutiny of China’s gig economy, where platforms face pressure to address worker safety, benefits and algorithmic management. A cushion is not a panacea for structural issues like income volatility or scheduling algorithms. But small ergonomic steps are visible proof that platforms are seeking incremental fixes — and they also help shape perception. Is a 59.9‑yuan pad a meaningful step toward better treatment of riders, or a symbolic gesture? That question will shape how riders and regulators respond.