What if the minimum age to become an Uber driver in France increased to 25?

The American giant has decided to change its policy on the age of VTC drivers who can use its platform.

Uber is experiencing a new era in which it will notably revise its prices upwards and impose more advertisements on its users. But this should not be the only notable change decided by the company, which imposes new standards for its drivers.

California first

The collaborative economy company in the field of transport cars with driver (VTC) Uber has been based in San Francisco, California since its creation. It is also in this state that it has just imposed a change for its drivers. New drivers wishing to register on the platform in the Golden State must now be 25 years old, compared to 21 previously.

For what ? As often, this is a story of big money. According to a spokesperson who spoke with Engadget, Uber is facing outrageous insurance costs in America’s wealthiest state. ” Up to ten times more than for taxis, and thirty times more than for personal vehicles “, it is thus specified. By increasing the average age of its drivers, the group therefore hopes to reduce the insurance bill.

Possible case law?

Could this decision be applied elsewhere? It is not impossible. Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi wants to get out of the previous model adopted by the firm, which made it a company constantly in deficit. The increase in tariffs thus contributes to this desire to implement more sustainable growth. One can imagine at the same time that the management will hunt down costs wherever it can (especially after its recent run-ins with the law), including insurance paid around the world.

In France, there is currently no age threshold below which an individual cannot become a brand driver. It is only necessary to have a B permit for at least three consecutive years and to be of legal age. But there are already age restrictions in neighboring countries, such as Belgium, where it is necessary to be at least 21 years old.

Source : Engadget