– In Nuremberg, the mobility company “Bolt” is launching its first German pilot for the new ride-hailing category “Little Bolt”. For urban trips, the company is focusing on electric vehicles.
In large cities, many people gladly do without their own cars, as public transportation is often less stressful, cheaper, and more convenient. However, when it comes to moving, strikes, or trips to the suburbs, a car quickly becomes the preferred option again. For this reason, a diverse range of shared mobility services has developed and steadily expanded in recent years.
Now, the mobility company Bolt is taking things a step further: with its new vehicle category “Little Bolt,” the provider aims to make ride-hailing more accessible. Since October, the concept has already been tested in Bucharest – where the fleet consists of Jinpeng smart balance vehicles, according to the news portal Romania Insider. Germany is now the second country to launch the pilot, with the test site located in Middle Franconia.
Ride-hailing describes a modern transportation service where customers book a ride via a smartphone app. The service operates similarly to a traditional taxi ride: the company takes passengers from a designated starting point to their destination. Unlike conventional taxis, however, the booking process is handled digitally: The app connects passengers and drivers, displays the price upfront, and enables cashless payment.
The mobility company Bolt plans to pilot the expansion of its mobility offerings in Germany for the first time in Nuremberg. To kick off, ten Dolphin Surf models from the brand BYD will be available in the city, the company announced.
Bolt in Nürnberg – ride-hailing under fire
The ride-hailing concept is under fire. Prices for trips with companies like Uber or Bolt are often significantly lower than those of traditional taxi services. Ride-hailing providers use digital matching systems and dynamic pricing – resulting in higher utilization rates, which in turn allow for lower prices. The taxi industry sees a threat of being pushed out by companies like Uber and others.
The providers also face criticism regarding drivers’ working conditions. In Germany, they collaborate with independent, licensed rental car companies that employ the drivers. Several media outlets have reported that contracts are frequently not honored. A Bolt spokesperson told Tagesschau.de that the company actually calls for more transparency in the industry and therefore supports the introduction of a digital register for rental car and taxi concessions. Drivers earn at least the legal minimum wage – and often more, Uber claims. Bolt reportedly makes similar arguments, according to Tagesschau.de.
Nürnberg takes the lead as pilot city
“Nürnberg is the ideal location for us to demonstrate what urban-friendly and inclusive mobility can look like in the future,” says Christoph Hahn, General Manager of Bolt Germany.
By testing the service in Nürnberg, a key step is taken to evaluate technology, demand, and operational experience in real city traffic, the company explains. The insights gained will inform the decision on which cities will see an expansion of the service in 2026.
Editorial note: An earlier version of this article did not provide a detailed explanation of the ride-hailing concept. This clarification has now been added.
