The shared e-bike operator “Ride Mobility” has introduced age verification tools for all customers starting Monday, the company’s CEO Edgars Jākobsons announced.
From now on, every user wishing to use the Ride service will be required to present a personal identification document — a passport, ID card, driver’s license, or residence permit.
To confirm that the user is at least 18 years old, the digital identification system will perform a facial comparison between the photo on the ID document and a real-time selfie taken by the user.
Jākobsons noted that the cost of implementing the age verification tools within the app is confidential information.
He added that, until now, Ride’s terms of service already stipulated that the company’s vehicles may only be used by persons aged 18 or older, a requirement users confirmed when signing the service agreement. However,
the new verification system will enforce this rule much more strictly.
Starting Monday, all new users registering in the app will have to complete age verification — by submitting both an ID document and a real-time photo — before their first ride.
Existing users will need to go through verification before their next ride.
According to the company, this measure will help reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall riding culture.
Earlier, on the 2nd of October, the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) decided to suspend the services of “Ride Mobility.” The decision followed an appeal by Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (Progressives), which came after the death of two girls born in 2012, who were hit by a train in Imanta while using a Ride Mobility e-bike.
However, the company did not comply with PTAC’s suspension order. As a result, the agency will impose an administrative fine of up to 14,000 euros. PTAC will decide on the fine on Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
At the same time,
PTAC has launched a review of all apps offering shared e-scooters and other micromobility services in Latvia.
The agency is urging all consumers — especially young people and their parents — to use shared mobility devices responsibly, in accordance with service rules and the law. PTAC also reminds the public that using electric scooters or other micromobility vehicles without proper training and age verification can pose serious risks both to the user and others.
According to information from Firmas.lv, SIA “Ride” was registered in 2019 with a share capital of 2,800 euros. The company is wholly owned by Edgars Jākobsons.
In 2024, Ride reported a turnover of 1.156 million euros and a profit of 236,246 euros.
Jākobsons ran as a candidate in the Mārupe municipal elections this year on the New Unity (JV) ticket.
Read also: Consumer rights authority to fine “Ride Mobility” for failing to suspend operations after death of two girls in Imanta