Bolt Kenya has introduced a new feature that allows one person to manage and pay for rides for up to nine other people, all from a single Bolt account.
In a statement on July 22, 2025, Bolt announced that the Family Profile is designed to make booking and managing rides more practical for families and support networks.
“The new feature simplifies that process, offering a built-in solution that allows customers to invite others to join their profile, set monthly spending limits, and receive live trip notifications,” read part of the statement.
Members can request rides independently if they use the app, while the account holder retains oversight.
According to data by Bolt, 2–6% of Bolt rides are currently ordered on someone’s behalf other than the account holder, often requiring manual coordination and sharing of trip details.
How the Family Profile Feature Will Work
Once a Family Profile is created, each member must have their own Bolt account and meet the platform’s minimum age requirement of 18 before they can be added.
This means the feature cannot be used to book rides for unaccompanied minors.
These age restrictions are in place for legal and safety reasons and ensure that all riders using the feature remain subject to Bolt’s existing terms and conditions.
“The feature is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, or anyone supporting older relatives who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps regularly,” read the statement.
Bolt has informed its users that the Family accounts do not change Bolt’s core policies around rider eligibility.
Also Read: Bolt Partners with NTSA and Police to Train Drivers
Why Bolt Introduced a New Feature
Data has revealed that ride-hail usage is growing fastest among older adults, but practical barriers, like app complexity or payment requirements, still limit adoption.
Family Profile helps close that gap by letting one person handle ride management and payments for others, even if they do not use the Bolt app themselves.
“In addition to greater flexibility, Family Profile offers account holders enhanced financial control and peace of mind,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Bolt and Absa Bank Launch Training Opportunities For Drivers
The profile owner can monitor each member’s ride activity, receive real-time alerts when trips start or end, and take immediate action if necessary, such as checking the ride’s live location or contacting the rider or driver in case of an unexpected route or stop.
Bolt management further stated that the company’s engineers are continuously enhancing the app’s routing, mapping, and usability to meet the evolving needs of both riders and drivers.
“Bolt engineers continue to improve the app’s routing, mapping, and usability to meet the evolving expectations of riders and drivers. Family Profile joins a growing set of features aimed at building trust and enhancing platform safety,” ended the statement.
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