RIIDE opens car-share access to 18-year-olds
RIIDE drops age limit to 18 as Gold Coast car-share use surpasses 30,000 trips
What’s happening?
RIIDE, Australia’s first free-floating car-share service, has lowered its minimum age requirement from 21 to 18.
The change took effect on 25 September 2025 and now allows P2 (Green Ps) licence holders access to the platform. The announcement comes as RIIDE surpassed 30,000 trips on the Gold Coast since its launch.
Why it matters?
By widening access, RIIDE is opening up affordable and flexible mobility for young people who may not own a car.
CEO Ricards Staks said, “Dropping the minimum age to 18 gives students, apprentices and young workers a fair, affordable way to get around without the cost of owning a car. We’re widening access while keeping standards high with ID checks and clear community rules.”
Independent studies show one-way car share services encourage people to sell or defer private car ownership, reducing congestion and emissions. Local councils also note that car-share users typically ease parking pressure in busy urban areas.
Local impact
The change is expected to benefit thousands of students and young workers on the Gold Coast, particularly around Griffith University precincts.
Professor Matthew Burke from Griffith University’s Cities Research Institute said, “RIIDE is a real solution for students who arrive car-free… It’s perfect for less frequent trips.”
By the numbers
More than 30,000 trips have been completed on the Gold Coast since launch, showing strong demand.
The minimum driver age has dropped from 21 to 18 as of 25 September 2025.
Every trip includes fuel and basic insurance, reducing extra costs for young drivers.
Zoom in
RIIDE’s free-floating model lets users locate, unlock and drive hybrid cars using the app, then park within a designated home zone. The hybrid fleet is designed for short urban trips and lower emissions, making it ideal for students and city workers needing flexible mobility without car ownership.
Zoom out
Car-sharing services like RIIDE are part of a broader shift towards sustainable and shared transport options worldwide. By reducing reliance on private cars, such services contribute to lower emissions and help cities manage traffic and parking challenges.
What to look for next
RIIDE’s growth past 30,000 trips signals demand will keep rising. With younger drivers now eligible, usage around universities and urban hubs is expected to climb, further shaping the Gold Coast’s transport landscape.