Bolt, Uber and FreeNow: Car Requirements - Check if your car passes the verification
- Damian Brzeski
- 4h
- 7 min read
Have a car and want to earn more with Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow? Demands are growing, and some models are going out of business faster than you think.
Which car will give you access to better jobs and higher rates? This text is your fleet roadmap—without it, it's easy to veer off course.
1. UBER – Detailed Fleet Specifications
My observations show that Uber currently has the most complex vehicle segmentation system on the Polish market.
As a direct partner, you have a unique opportunity: with a high-class car, you can flexibly manage incoming orders by combining several earning categories in one application.
Is your car suitable for UberX?
In the basic category, efficiency and year of manufacture are key factors. In Warsaw, you must have a car from 2006 or newer, while in other cities, the minimum age is 2005 .
Importantly, it is worth aiming for the 2006 vintage and above, as the platform plans to quickly unify these standards across the country.
Your car must have at least four doors, be registered for 5 people and – obviously – cannot show any signs of serious bodywork damage.
What are the requirements for Uber Comfort?
If you're aiming for higher stakes, the Comfort category is the first step towards professionalism.
Here, the year is crucial – you must have a car from 2016 or newer, and the design itself must provide real legroom for passengers.
It's no surprise that the algorithm favors C- and D-class models like the Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia, and VW Passat . But remember, the engine alone isn't everything; your driving rating must be at least 4.85 .
Uber Black: the royal category for demanding customers
This is the most profitable segment, where there's no room for compromise. Vehicles must undergo in-person inspection at the Support Center, and the list of accepted models is short and specific.
Body and Color: Black, navy blue or graphite sedans and luxury SUVs only.
Interior: Dark, pristine leather upholstery.
Age: Usually a maximum of 8-10 years, although for absolute luxury icons like the Mercedes S-Class , the limits are sometimes a bit more flexible.
This category is dominated by vehicles like the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Tesla Model X, and Lexus LS . Remember: station wagons and hatchbacks are strictly out of the question here.
Uber Airport Van: The solution for groups
Airport use requires a large capacity, so only vehicles with a capacity of 7 to 9 people are accepted in this category. Models from 2016 and up and models like the Mercedes Vito or Opel Vivaro are key.
2. BOLT – Requirements
There's no denying that 2025 was a time of major cleanup for Bolt drivers. The platform announced a radical improvement in quality, which involved the mass removal of older units from the system.
What's changing in the core Bolt category?
The key date is April 1, 2025. From that point on, every vehicle manufactured before 2005 will disappear from the app's map. That's why now is the last chance to modernize your fleet if you want to maintain business continuity.
Bolt Comfort: The standard goes up
Like its competitors, this category requires cars from 2016 or newer. Just look at the difference in segmentation: while the smaller Skoda Fabia performs admirably in the entry-level category, you'll only "jump" into the Comfort segment with a model like the Skoda Octavia .
Bolt Premium and XL: Luxury with a Touch of Relaxation
Bolt tends to be a bit more liberal than Uber Black when it comes to bodywork, sometimes accepting high-end station wagons in the Premium category as long as they are in collectible condition.
However, newer models ( 2016+ ) from brands like Mercedes (C- and E-classes) and the Audi A4 and A6 dominate here. In the XL category, priority is given to spacious vans like the Chrysler Pacifica and VW Multivan .
3. FREENOW – Quality and Ecological Approach
FreeNow has been building a "pro-taxi" image for years, which translates into higher aesthetic and technical requirements. Here, any scratch on the paint can result in account suspension.
Standard Lite and Taxi
In this segment, cars up to 10-12 years old are preferred. While older vehicles can theoretically work, the algorithm clearly favors newer units when assigning priority orders.
Strict Comfort Category Rules
FreeNow takes no prisoners here: cars only 4 years old are accepted (e.g., 2022+ model year this year), unless you have a model from a higher segment, in which case the limit is 6 years old. It's also necessary to maintain a minimum of 90 cm of legroom for the passenger.
Eco and Green Category: The Future is Electric
Thanks to partnerships with brands like BYD , Seal and Seal U drivers can count on priority for eco-friendly assignments. This category is reserved for all-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids.
4. iTaxi – Corporate Client Specifics
Working at iTaxi is an entry into the B2B sector, where business clients expect impeccable standards. Forget about old, worn-out cars – here, quality is verified at every step.
What does the iTaxi standard expect?
Your car should not exceed 10 years old , and the lower size limit is segment C. Importantly, small city cars (e.g. Toyota Yaris) are only allowed if brand new and perfectly maintained.
iTaxi VIP: the highest standard on the market
The requirements in this segment are sometimes higher than in Uber Black. Only black limousines like the Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series, no older than 5-6 years, are considered. Wi-Fi access and a charging station in the armrest are standard here.
5. Comparative Analysis and Recommendation of the "Golden Mean"
For a direct partner, versatility is key to success. Choosing the right model allows you to "catch" orders from various price levels across all applications simultaneously.
Car Type | Uber | Bolt | FreeNow | iTaxi | Verdict |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2021+) | Comfort, Green, X | Comfort, Green | Comfort, Green | Standard | Best for mass production. Low cost, comfortable fit. |
Mercedes E-Class (2018+) Sedan | Black , Comfort | Premium, Comfort | Premium, Comfort | VIP | Best for BUSINESS work. Opens the highest rates. |
Tesla Model 3 / Y (2021+) | Green, Comfort | Green, Comfort | Eco, Comfort | Eco, Business | Best cost (charging). Model Y usually comes in Black. |
Skoda Superb (2019+) | Comfort, X | Comfort, Bolt | Comfort, Taxi | Business | The king of space. Perfect for airports, but the brand limits access to VIPs. |
Key takeaways:
Avoid VIP station wagons: If you're looking for business rates, only buy a sedan . A station wagon will keep you out of the Black category.
The 2016 model year is "to be or not to be": If you buy an older car, you risk being stuck with only the cheapest rates in a year.
Verify VIN: Before purchasing an expensive car, always ask the app's technical support whether a specific model will be assigned to a higher category.
6. Technical Formalities Regarding the Vehicle
Before you embark on your first journey as an independent entrepreneur, you'll need to complete a number of formalities. Keep in mind that applications are relentless in this regard.
The road to the TAXI stamp
A visit to the District Vehicle Inspection Station costs approximately PLN 43. The diagnostician will check for the presence of a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and spare tire (or repair kit).
With the document from the diagnostician, you go to the Department of Communication to obtain the necessary entry in the registration certificate.
License extract and insurance
As a direct partner, you must have your own license. Each vehicle in your fleet requires a physical copy , which you submit to the office.
Importantly, standard third-party liability insurance isn't enough. You need to purchase a policy with a commercial passenger transport endorsement. Although the premium will be slightly higher, it protects you against financial disaster in the event of a collision while driving.
What's next? If you've already chosen a car, your next step should be to check your insurer's taxi rates—this is often where the biggest savings for your new partner lie.
FAQ: Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow Car Requirements
Below you'll find the latest answers, taking into account the regulations in force this year. Check if your car still meets the requirements after the recent changes to the platforms' regulations.
What is the cutoff year for the Bolt in 2026? After last year's "cleanup," 2005 models remain the absolute minimum in most cities in 2026, although 2006 models are recommended to avoid problems with the next database update.
Are station wagons accepted in Uber Black? No, the Black category (like iTaxi VIP) excludes station wagons and hatchbacks; in 2026, only sedans and luxury SUVs are standard.
What model year now guarantees access to the Comfort category? In 2026, the safe threshold for Uber/Bolt Comfort is 2016 or newer (segment C/D); cars from 2015 may already be phased out in major cities.
How much does an additional TAXI inspection cost? The cost of a technical inspection at a District Vehicle Inspection Station, necessary for a stamp on your ID card, is typically PLN 43.
Can I drive with standard third-party liability insurance? No, the policy must have an active endorsement for commercial passenger transport; in 2026, policy verification systems in apps will be fully automated and will detect any deficiencies.
What kind of car qualifies for FreeNow Comfort in 2026? Since the requirement is "car under 4 years old," vehicles from 2022 and newer (for standard brands) will qualify for this category in 2026.
Does the Skoda Fabia fall into the Comfort category? No, the Fabia is a B-segment (city car); the Comfort category requires cars in the C-segment (e.g., Octavia) or D-segment, which offer more passenger space.
What paint color is required for the VIP/Black class? Dark colors are required: deep black, navy blue, or graphite; the paint must be uniform, free from any markings or visible damage.
What formalities are necessary for direct cooperation (B2B)? A business license, a company taxi license, and a physical copy of the license assigned to a specific vehicle are required.
Will a 3-door car pass inspection? No, the market standard in 2026 is only 4/5-door cars, registered for at least 5 people (driver + 4 passengers).
How do I check if my car is eligible for Black/Premium? The most reliable method is to send the VIN to the app's Support Center (GLH) before purchasing to confirm the current model classification.
What's the best way to drive in the Green/Eco category? Platforms promote all-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids; models like the Tesla Model 3/Y and BYD Seal are prioritized in the algorithms.
What driver rating is required for Comfort? To maintain access to higher-paying Comfort jobs, your average rating must not drop below 4.85.
What are the consequences of not having a TAXI entry on your ID card in 2026? Failure to do so could result in a fine, the seizure of your registration certificate by the police/ITD, and the immediate suspension of your driver's account in the app.
Does "Lex Uber" still affect requirements? Yes, regulations fully implemented last year required a Polish driving license and a criminal record check in Poland, which is now standard for registration.
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