The Ride-hailing Economy Report brings together real-world insights from ongoing conversations with drivers and one of the largest global driver surveys ever conducted. The insight captures the voices of 40,000 drivers across 25 countries.
It paints a clear picture of who ride-hailing drivers are, what motivates them to get behind the wheel, and how they view the future of shared mobility.
Also, the report also includes an independent analysis of European driver earnings by the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum, alongside feedback from more than 200,000 customers explaining why they choose Bolt over private car ownership.
Who are ride-hailing drivers?
Ride-hailing is attracting people from all walks of life and the profile of today’s drivers might surprise you. They’re not only diverse in background, but also ambitious, adaptable, and globally connected.
For many, driving isn’t the only source of income. Around a quarter of drivers balance ride-hailing with full- or part-time jobs, while others run their own businesses or are actively searching for permanent roles. It’s a clear sign that ride-hailing plays a vital role in supplementing income and providing financial stability.
Education levels are also notably high. More than 30% of drivers hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and nearly 1% even have a Doctorate showing that ride-hailing can act as a stepping stone while people pursue broader career goals.
The community is also impressively multilingual. Seven in ten drivers speak more than one language, with over 140 languages represented worldwide. This diversity enhances the customer experience and reflects the truly global nature of the industry.
However, one area still needs progress: gender balance. Women make up less than 5% of ride-hailing drivers globally. To address this, Bolt is introducing initiatives like its “Women only” ride option designed to create a more inclusive, flexible, and empowering environment for women to earn and achieve financial independence.
Why ride-hailing?
Drivers are drawn to ride-hailing for one key reason above all: it fits around their lives not the other way around. Flexibility, accessibility, availability, and competitive earnings all play a part, but flexibility stands out as the biggest driver of all.
For most, the ability to choose when and how long they work is a game-changer. It allows them to earn on their own terms while balancing other responsibilities. They can manage no matter if they are studying, running a business, caring for family, or managing another job.
- 62% of drivers have caring responsibilities (children and/or elderly relatives).
- Over 30% of drivers study or work outside of driving.
- 1 in 10 drivers owns or manages a business.
- 1 in 50 is retired and drives for supplementary income.
- 76% of drivers who study or have another source of income say flexibility is why they drive.
They drive an average of 18 hours a week or 2 hours and 34 minutes a day, and 56% of EU drivers use multiple ride-hailing apps to maximize income.
Competitive earnings: Bolt driver partners enjoy competitive earnings. On average, European driver partners’ earnings exceed the minimum wage in their respective countries by 47 to 78%.
Driver satisfaction: 66% of Bolt driver partners report being happy or very happy with their ride-hailing experience. 10% of drivers have been in the industry for over 5 years, and 61% have been in the industry for over a year, highlighting the long-term earning potential.
Accessibility: Ride-hailing is a widely accessible earning opportunity with low entry barriers. The service is available in many cities worldwide, making it easy for a wide range of people to become drivers.
- 30% of drivers study or work outside of driving.
- 1 in 10 drivers owns or manages a business.
- 1 in 50 is retired and drives for supplementary income.
- 76% of drivers who study or have another source of income say flexibility is why they drive.
Ride-hailing doesn’t just offer flexibility, it delivers real, measurable value for drivers looking to earn on their own terms. On average, drivers spend around 18 hours a week on the road (roughly 2 hours and 34 minutes a day), with many taking a smart approach to maximize income 56% of EU drivers use multiple ride-hailing apps to increase their earning potential.
Competitive earnings are a major draw. Bolt driver partners consistently earn above minimum wage levels in Europe by an impressive 47% to 78% on average making it a financially attractive option for many.
Driver satisfaction is also strong. Around 66% of Bolt drivers say they are happy or very happy with their experience. What’s more, this isn’t just a short-term gig. 10% have been driving for over five years, while 61% have stayed in the industry for more than a year, showing its long-term earning potential.
Accessibility is another key advantage. With low barriers to entry and availability across cities worldwide, ride-hailing opens the door to a wide range of people:
- 30% of drivers are studying or working alongside driving
- 1 in 10 runs or manages their own business
- 1 in 50 is retired and uses driving as supplementary income
For those juggling multiple commitments, flexibility remains the deciding factor. 76% of drivers who study or have another income source say it’s the main reason they choose ride-hailing.
The impact of shared mobility
Ride-hailing is rapidly evolving from a convenient option into a core part of how cities move. As part of the growing shared mobility ecosystem, it’s projected to account for 7% of all urban journeys by 2030 signaling a major shift in the way people think about transport.
Beyond convenience, it plays a powerful role as an economic enabler. For drivers, it offers flexible earning opportunities. For passengers, it provides a cost-effective alternative to owning and maintaining a car.
The impact on car ownership is already becoming clear. More than half (55%) of Bolt users who don’t own a car say ride-hailing could remove the need to buy one altogether. At the same time, 9% of users have already sold their cars since adopting ride-hailing, with 41% of them citing it as a key factor in their decision.
Even among current car owners, attitudes are shifting. Around 17% say ride-hailing has made them consider selling their vehicle, pointing to a future where fewer private cars on the road could help ease congestion and reshape urban living.
Ride-hailing: empowering drivers, connecting passengers, supporting sustainable cities
Dive into the full Ride-hailing Economy Report to uncover deeper insights into the future of shared mobility and the opportunities it creates for both cities and individuals:
- Discover how the ride-hailing economy is helping ease urban mobility challenges while supporting public transport systems and boosting local economies.
- Learn more about driver earnings, including how factors like electric vehicles are shaping income potential and long-term sustainability.
