S'pore man, 43, with spinal disability runs his own islandwide courier service, uses public transport

Meet Ayeed the Courier — a delivery rider on a motorised wheelchair bringing parcels and positivity across Singapore.

From his home in Punggol to other far corners of Singapore, Ayeed — whose real name is Mohamed Zahid Bin Mohd Yassin — travels across the country delivering food, bags, medical items and even a microwave on one occasion.

Speaking to Mothership while en route to a delivery, the 43-year-old shared how he first started his delivery service.

Spina bifida

Born with spina bifida, a condition caused by the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord, Ayeed lost the use of both legs at the age of 15.

But that didn’t stop him from pursuing his education.

Despite the challenges, he completed his O-Levels and later studied at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Turning point

In 2016, life threw Ayeed another curveball.

After being hospitalised three times in a single month, he was certified unfit for full-time employment.

He eventually left his job in customer service, feeling it was unfair to let his frequent absences affect his workplace.

While losing a stable income was difficult, what troubled him more was the loss of independence.

Ayeed was determined to support his family, especially his mother, who had been caring for him since birth.

While his siblings could provide for the family, he wished to play his part in helping the family.

One day, he stumbled upon a Facebook group where users posted delivery requests.

He picked up a few jobs and quickly discovered that he enjoyed the work.

Inspired, he created his own Facebook page to promote his independent delivery service.

Ayeed chose not to sign up with a mainstream delivery platform as he preferred the freedom to set his own schedule and travel wherever jobs took him.

6 to 8 deliveries a day

Today, he moves around the island using public transport and his motorised wheelchair.

In fact, the longest trip he has made was from Tuas to Tampines.

One of his busiest days saw him completing 10 deliveries within just five hours. On another occasion, he managed an impressive 17 deliveries in a single day.

However, on average, he handles six to eight delivery requests per day.

Customers are charged between S$10 and S$15, depending on the distance and urgency of the delivery.

Challenges on the job

Of course, the job isn’t without its obstacles, literally.

He sometimes encounters HDB blocks with no ramp access or units only accessible by stairs — making doorstep delivery impossible for him.

In such cases, he contacts the recipient and asks them to meet him at a more accessible spot.

While most customers are understanding, a few showed reluctance, he shared.

He also recalled an amusing challenge: a customer once requested the delivery of a microwave oven.

"I forgot to check the size of the item," he said.

Despite the unexpected bulk, he managed to transport it successfully, though navigating public transport with the microwave proved tricky.

Finding happiness in his job

It has been almost 10 years since he started his delivery service and Ayeed is still going strong.

He is now living with his mother and happy to care for her, after years of her taking care of him.

When asked if the job ever feels overwhelming, his answer was simple: “Any tiredness disappears when I see the gratitude and happiness from my customers.”

Doesn't want pity

While he hopes for customers' understanding, Ayeed doesn't want any pity.

What Ayeed hopes for most is that people treat him as they would any other courier.

“I don't want their sympathy and I hope they don’t pity me,” he said.

"I want them to treat me like a normal person."

Top photos from Ayeed the Courier/Facebook