Terms of Service

Effective Date: November 26, 2025

Welcome to Awaride, the carpooling platform designed to connect urban commuters in Nigeria for affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly rides. Awaride is operated by Awaride Ltd. ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service. We recommend reviewing these Terms carefully, as they form a legally binding agreement between you and Awaride.

1. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms. If you are using the Service on behalf of an entity, you represent that you are authorized to bind that entity to these Terms.

2. Account Registration and Security

  • Registration: To use certain features of the Service, such as offering or requesting rides, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update it as necessary.
  • Verification: We may require identity verification (e.g., via government ID, phone number, or email) for safety and compliance purposes. Drivers may need additional verification, such as vehicle registration and driver's license.
  • Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access.
  • Multiple Accounts: You may not create multiple accounts without our permission.

3. User Roles and Services

  • Drivers: Users who offer rides in their personal vehicles.
  • Riders: Users who request and join rides.
  • Ride Matching: The Service uses location data, preferences, and algorithms to match drivers and riders. Matches are suggestions only; users are responsible for confirming details.
  • Scheduling and Routes: Users can schedule one-time or recurring rides along common urban routes in Nigeria (e.g., Lagos, Abuja). Real-time tracking and notifications are provided.
  • Communication: In-app messaging and calls are available for coordination, but users should not share personal contact information outside the app.
  • Vehicle Standards: Drivers must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, insured, and compliant with Nigerian traffic laws (e.g., valid insurance, roadworthiness certificate).

Platform Notice!!

We do not own, control, or operate vehicles, nor do we employ drivers. Awaride acts solely as a technology platform connecting users.

4. User Conduct and Prohibitions

You agree to use the Service responsibly and in compliance with all applicable laws, including Nigerian road safety regulations. Prohibited activities include:

  • Harassing, discriminating against, or harming other users based on protected characteristics.
  • Using the Service for illegal purposes, including transporting contraband or engaging in fraud.
  • Misrepresenting your identity, vehicle, or ride details.
  • Soliciting or accepting payments outside the app.
  • Posting false reviews or ratings.
  • Interfering with the Service (e.g., hacking, spamming).
  • Violating traffic laws during rides.

We reserve the right to investigate and take action against violations, including suspending or terminating accounts.

5. Payments and Fees

  • Pricing: Ride costs are based on distance, time, fuel estimates, and other factors. Prices are displayed before booking.
  • Payment Processing: Payments are handled through integrated third-party providers (e.g., Paystack, Flutterwave). Riders pay via card, bank transfer, or mobile money. Drivers receive payouts minus Awaride's service fee (typically 10–20%, subject to change).
  • Fees: We may charge subscription fees for premium features, transaction fees, or cancellation fees.
  • Taxes: Users are responsible for any applicable taxes.
  • Refunds: Refunds may be issued for cancellations per our policy (e.g., full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance). No refunds for no-shows or disputes resolved against you.
  • Wallet: Users may maintain an in-app wallet for faster payments.

Payment for all transactions and all deductions and service charges are in Nigerian Naira (NGN) unless otherwise specified.

6. Cancellations and No-Shows

  • Riders can cancel up to a certain time before the ride without penalty.
  • Drivers canceling frequently may face account restrictions.
  • No-shows (refusal or inability to perform) may result in fees or ratings penalties, except for justifiable reasons.
  • We may mediate disputes but are not liable for losses from cancellations.
  • We shall not be vicariously liable for any act or omission by drivers, neither shall we indemnify any such acts.

7. Safety and Insurance

  • Safety Features: The Service may include emergency buttons, ride sharing with contacts, and user ratings/reviews.
  • Background Checks: We may conduct basic checks on users, but we do not guarantee safety.
  • Insurance: Drivers must maintain valid vehicle insurance. Awaride does not provide insurance for rides; users participate at their own risk.
  • Emergencies: In case of accidents or incidents, contact local authorities first. Report to us via the app for assistance.
  • Health, Safety and Environment: Users must comply with health and safety guidelines (e.g., masks, sanitation) where applicable.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, trademarks, logos, and software in the Service are owned by Awaride or our licensors. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use the Service for personal purposes. You may not copy, modify, or distribute our intellectual property without permission. Drivers or Riders shall be liable for any attempt to pass-off, copy, modify, or use any IP belonging to Awaride in an unauthorized manner.

9. User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit (e.g., reviews, photos). By posting, you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use it for operating and promoting the Service. You represent that your content does not infringe third-party rights.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access, accurate matches, or user behavior. We disclaim liability for any damages arising from use of the Service.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Awaride shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits, personal injury, or property damage arising from rides or use of the Service.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Awaride harmless from claims arising from your use of the Service, violations of these Terms, or infringement of rights.

13. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations or other reasons. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ends. Sections that by their nature should survive termination (including liability limitations and indemnification) will remain in effect.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. We will notify you of material changes via the app or email.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Disputes shall be resolved through negotiation within 14 (fourteen) days of the occurrence of the conflict, then mediation or arbitration in Lagos under the Lagos Multidoor Court House and under the Mediation and Arbitration Act 2023. Your right to class action is waived by your agreement to these Terms.

16. Miscellaneous

  • Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays due to events beyond our control (e.g., strikes, natural disasters, government-ordered road blocks, protests, insurgency, acts of God, and similar events).
  • Severability: If any provision is invalid, the rest remain in effect.
  • No Waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not waive it.
  • Assignment: We may assign these Terms; you may not without our consent.
  • Entire Agreement: These Terms, plus our Privacy Policy, constitute the full agreement.

Contact Us

For questions, contact us at info@awaride.com or via the app.

Thank you for using Awaride! Let's make commuting better together.