Two among the best ride-hailing apps, Uber and Bolt, have become huge competitors. There are a lot of similarities between both services for riders and drivers. Although you cannot judge which one is superior, they both have differences in offering their services.

Also, both Uber and Bolt have different facilities and requirements. So in an argument of Uber Vs. Bolt; Which is better? There is only one way to answer.

In this article, I will be giving you some key details about these hail-riding apps. But firstly, let’s talk briefly about the two subjects.

About Uber

This company has one of the fastest and most active riders across the globe. Uber was launched in 2009 by an American technology company, and they have grown to prominence as one of the best tech companies in the World.

Aside from offering ride services, Uber offers meal delivery, electric bike, scooter rentals, and others.

Uber riding services are among the best in Nigeria, with active riders in Abuja, Gulu, and Lagos. This company started in Nigeria in 2014 and has been operational since. They provide good and secure riding experiences for customers and users.

 

About Bolt

Bolt is another fascinating and effective ride-hailing service across different states in Nigeria. They have a system that is comfortable for both managers and drivers.

Based in Estonia, the company operates in over 45 countries across 300 cities. Bolt operates in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A company with over 2 500 employees, Bolt has another fast-growing riding service at the moment.

Despite only starting in Nigeria in 2016, they operate in over ten states across Nigeria. Some of the major cities where bolts serve include; Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt Calabar, Kano, and Kaduna.

Now you understand some facts about these two companies, let’s compare the features and other services of Uber and Bolt.

 

Features: Uber Vs. Bolt

Uber and Bolt both share similar services and operate with high efficiency. However, the features of the riding services are great. The features of these services in terms of safety, price, payment, and cancellation have some differences. Also, Both services have different approaches to handling lost items. 

The next section will discuss how to differentiate and analyze what values Uber and Bolt bring. I will also compare them based on both services for customers and drivers.

 

Safety: Uber vs. Bolt

Uber

• GPS tracking systems are used from start to finish for Uber riders. If the journey takes a long time, the Ride check sensor system and GPS data detect it.
• Uber’s mobile app provides customers with a feature to drop notifications to their friends to locate them if anything happens.
• A 24/7 standby customer service is available for customers.
• Customers can verify their ride using a PIN. This process makes it easier to confirm that you are on the right side.

 

Bolt

• Bolt partners with YouVerify to verify all drivers’ information and documents. Make sure that all information matches through the government database
• Before riding with a bolt driver, you have access to all their information. These details include a photo, name, car, and license plate number.
• Insurance also covers Bolt’s riders and their properties during their ride.

So, both companies offer efficient safety features and measures for both riders and drivers. That is because it is the most important aspect of this service. However, before boarding on any of them, make sure you are aware of the safety principle that they adopt.

 

Price: Uber Vs. Bolt

Uber

• Uber’s charges are said to be more than that of its counterpart. The amount per trip is usually higher.

Bolt

• To compete with their rivals, Bolt made prices per trip cheaper and more affordable to users. They also offer discounts with promo codes.

Both companies offer great transportation services to riders, but Bolt gets the nod on this feature as they provide value.

 

Cancellation Fee: Uber Vs. Bolt

Uber

• Uber charges a cancellation fee if a rider cancels a trip. The cost will be charged from your next trip.

Bolt

• Bolt also charges a cancellation fee if you cancel a trip two minutes after the driver accepts the trip. A cancellation fee also applies when the driver cancels a trip after waiting more than 8 minutes for the rider.

 

Lost Items

Both Uber and Bolts have certain procedures to handle lost items of riders. If you lose an item while on a trip with any of these two services, here is what to do;

• Uber charges a fee that will be paid to the driver. The price depends on time and your location.
• Bolt, on the other hand, allows the customer and driver to negotiate a fee.

Now that you have seen how these hail-riding apps work for customers, I would love to discuss how it works for drivers.

 

How to become a driver: Uber Vs. Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt have requirements that drivers need to offer their services.

 

Uber

Drivers applying to join Uber driver services must have the following;

• You must have a valid Driver’s license
• Prospective drivers must also own a smartphone
• A valid Email address
• For drivers in Lagos, a valid LASDRI card is also required
• A profile photo
• Finally, the applicant must pass through safety screening sessions and a virtual meeting

 

Bolt

• Drivers must use the Bolt driver App
• Training Sessions for drivers
• Lagos drivers have some special requirements. These include; LASDRI card, LASSRA card, and a driver badge

These are the requirements that all candidates would need to qualify to become a bolt driver in either of these companies. In addition, some vehicle requirements must also be reached.

 

Vehicle Requirements: Uber Vs. Bolt

Uber

• A vehicle insurance report
• Vehicle report
• The vehicle should be four doors
• A hackney permit
• The car model must be 2000 or later.
• The car radio must also be functional

 

Bolt

• You must provide evidence of car ownership
• Vehicle license and Insurance papers
• An inspection report of the vehicle must also be provided
• Only 4-door cars are required
• The vehicle must be in good working condition

These requirements must be met by all the drivers who are willing to work for any of these companies.

 

Payment for drivers: Uber Vs. Bolt

There are different earnings and payment structures for both companies. While Uber has been in Nigeria longer, Bolt offers more affordable payments per trip for drivers. Below is a breakdown of how the structure works for both companies.

 

Uber

The concept of Uber services for drivers was to complete riding jobs and earn. Although the earnings are gotten for every trip you complete, the payment is more commission.

Uber drivers get 25% of every trip, and this system uses Uber’s software to carry out the transactions of every fare.

The drivers get paid weekly; this payment is made through direct bank transfer. Drivers’ earnings and transaction details all appear on the Application.

 

Bolt

Bolt, on the other hand, has lower rates of charges for their drivers. They charge between 10% to 20% per trip. This rate also depends on the city or location. They offer promo codes and discounts for drivers.

Payments are received every week through a direct bank transfer or a link connected to the drivers’ profile.

 

Safety measures for drivers: Uber Vs. Bolt

Uber

• Drivers can verify the riders
• Giving feedback following every fare is also very important.
• It would help if you were cautious with the personal details of the riders.
• The use of a seat belt is also very necessary
• Uber Apps are tracked throughout the trip.
• The app is built to protect both the rider and driver
• Uber also offers customer associates that are available during emergencies

These measures are taken to ensure that nothing compromises the drivers’ security.

 

Bolt

• Passengers personal details and profiles are available for drivers to access
• Feedback after each trip is also another feature drivers are given.
• Bolt drivers are also tracked throughout the trip.
• Bolt App has navigation software that guides drivers when driving.
• Insurance is also offered to drivers
• Drivers are encouraged to report any uncomfortable experience with any passenger.

These are safety measures that both Uber and Bolt drivers get when performing their services.

So here you have! All the necessary information you need to know about Uber Vs. Bolt for both drivers and riders. Have any questions about this topic? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers section below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answer

Why is Bolt cheaper than Uber?

Bolt offers a commission rate of 10% to 20%, while Uber charges 25%. The cost was made cheaper from the start to compete with their rivals.

 

Do Bolt and Uber charge for traffic?

Bolt and Uber drivers offer fixed prices before rendering their services to the rider. However, this price is not influenced by traffic delays when taking the passengers’ trip to their final destination.

 

Do Bolt receive payment in Cash?

The App provides the rider options for their preferred method of payment. Riders can decide to make payment in cash or via the Bolt App.

 

Does Bolt carry Passenger luggage?

Bolt services allow passengers luggage in the booth or passenger seats. However, the baggage must enter through the car doors first.

 

What is the cheapest Uber service?

UberPool is the cheapest Uber service you can get. It offers you permission to share a ride with another passenger who is going in a similar direction as you.

 

Does Uber Charge by Distance or Time?

Uber charges you per distance and time if you change your initial destination during the trip.

Uber Vs Bolt: A Driverpreneur’s Opinion

 

Uber Vs. Bolt: Which is Better?

In conclusion, picking better riding services from these companies would be tricky. But it also could go down to preference.

Although Bolt offers cheaper riding costs, Uber also provides other great experiences that give it an edge.

In this article, we have compared the two companies based on different features for both drivers and riders.

On the riders’ side, you can consider the rated speed of services through feedback, cancellation fees, and other metrics. That would help you know which one to choose if you are unsure.

Drivers, on the other hand, have to look at the application procedures, training process, and vehicle requirements to choose which one favors them.

So, I believe you can now pick if you choose between Uber and Bolt.

 

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Originally posted 2022-03-07 12:14:47.