Bolt has introduced a new Family Profile feature that allows one rider account to manage and pay for rides for up to nine people.

The launch supports Bolt’s commitment to delivering a ride-hailing experience built around safety, convenience and everyday usability.

Bolt New Zealand country manager Adam Muirson says: “We’re all about practicality and our new Family Profile feature is a simple but powerful way to support others, whether that’s older relatives or other loved ones, without needing to coordinate every trip. We’re excited to bring it to our riders in New Zealand.”

A solution for all

Bolt’s internal data shows that 2-6% of Bolt rides are ordered for someone other than the account holder, a task which often requires manual coordination and sharing of trip details.

This new feature simplifies that process as its built-in solution allows customers to invite others to join their profile, set monthly spending limits and receive live trip notifications. Members can request rides independently if they use the app, while the account holder retains oversight and payment.

Family accounts do not change Bolt’s core policies around rider eligibility. Each member added to a Family Profile must have their own Bolt account and must meet the platform’s minimum age requirement of 18.

This means the feature cannot be used to book rides for unaccompanied minors. These age restrictions ensure that all riders using the feature remain subject to Bolt’s existing terms and conditions.

Built for trust and safety

Muirson says the feature is especially helpful for those who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps regularly.

“Data shows that ride-hail usage is growing fastest among older adults, but barriers like app complexity or payment requirements can make it challenging. Family Profile helps close that gap by letting one person handle ride management and payments for others,” he says.

The account holders can monitor ride activity per member, receive real-time alerts when trips start or end and take immediate action if needed such as checking a ride’s live location or contacting the rider or driver in the event of an unexpected route or stop.

Family Profile joins a growing set of features aimed at building trust and enhancing platform safety. Bolt engineers continue to improve the app’s routing, mapping and usability to meet the evolving expectations of riders and drivers.