Terms & Conditions

1. About WheePool

WheePool is a cost-sharing carpooling platform that connects drivers traveling on a route with passengers looking to share the cost of the journey. WheePool is NOT a transportation company, taxi service, or ride-hailing platform.

2. Eligibility

To use WheePool, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
• Register for an account with accurate and truthful information
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
• Comply with all applicable South African laws and regulations

2.1 Additional Requirements for Drivers

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Hold a valid South African driver's license for at least 2 years
• Have a registered, roadworthy vehicle with valid license disk
• Maintain valid vehicle insurance (minimum third-party liability)
• Complete identity verification

3. Nature of Service

WheePool provides a platform to facilitate cost-sharing arrangements between drivers and passengers:

• Platform Only: WheePool is a technology platform that connects users. We do not provide transportation services.
• No Employment: Drivers are not employees, agents, or contractors of WheePool.
• Cost-Sharing: Passengers contribute to the driver's travel costs (fuel, tolls, wear and tear). This is NOT a commercial fare.
• No Profit: Drivers should not make a profit from rides. Cost contributions are limited to actual travel costs.

4. Cost-Sharing Model

4.1 Fare Calculation

The cost contribution is calculated based on:

• Distance of the journey
• Estimated fuel costs using average fuel prices
• Toll fees (if applicable)
• Vehicle wear and tear allowance as per SARS rates

4.2 Service Fee

WheePool charges a service fee of 15% on the base fare to cover platform operations, payment processing, customer support, and safety features.

5. User Responsibilities

5.1 All Users Must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Treat other users with respect and courtesy
• Comply with Community Guidelines
• Not engage in illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activities
• Not discriminate against other users
• Report safety concerns or violations

5.2 Drivers Must:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and roadworthy vehicle
• Follow all traffic laws and regulations
• Not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts
• Honor confirmed ride commitments
• Verify passenger identity at pickup

5.3 Passengers Must:

• Be ready at the pickup location at the agreed time
• Treat the driver's vehicle with respect
• Wear seatbelts at all times
• Not distract the driver
• Complete payment through the app

6. Bookings and Cancellations

6.1 Booking Process

When a passenger requests a ride, the driver has the option to accept or decline. Once accepted, both parties are expected to honor the commitment.

6.2 Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation: Up to 2 hours before scheduled departure
• Late cancellation (less than 2 hours): Cancellation fee may apply
• No-show: Full ride cost may be charged

7. Payments

• All payments must be made through the WheePool app
• Cash payments are strictly prohibited
• Payment is held in escrow until the ride is completed
• Earnings are credited to driver's wallet after ride completion
• Drivers can withdraw earnings at any time once funds are available

7.1 Driver Payouts and Withdrawals

Drivers can withdraw their earnings to a South African bank account through our payment partner, Paystack:

• Minimum withdrawal: R50 per transaction
• Maximum withdrawal: R50,000 per transaction
• Daily limit: Maximum 3 withdrawals per day

7.2 Payout Fees

• Standard Payout: A flat fee per withdrawal (current fee displayed in app)
• Processing Time: 24-48 business hours

Fees are deducted from the withdrawal amount. Payout times may vary based on banking hours and public holidays. Fee amounts are set by our payment processor and may change - always check the current fee in the app before withdrawing.

8. Insurance and Liability

8.1 Driver Insurance Requirements

Drivers must maintain valid vehicle insurance that covers:

• Third-party liability (minimum legal requirement)
• Passenger injury coverage is recommended

8.2 Limitation of Liability

WheePool shall NOT be liable for:

• Accidents, injuries, or damages during rides
• Loss or theft of personal belongings
• Actions or conduct of drivers or passengers
• Delays, cancellations, or ride failures
• Vehicle breakdowns or mechanical issues
• Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

9. Safety

We prioritize user safety through:

• Identity Verification: Verified profiles for both drivers and passengers
• Ratings System: User ratings and reviews
• Emergency Features: In-app emergency button and live trip sharing
• Support Team: 24/7 safety support available

10. Account Termination

WheePool may suspend or terminate your account for:

• Violation of these Terms or Community Guidelines
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Safety concerns
• Low ratings or repeated complaints
• Providing false information

11. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be governed by South African law and resolved through:

1. Negotiation: Direct communication between parties
2. Mediation: If negotiation fails, disputes may be referred to mediation
3. Arbitration: Binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act

12. Changes to Terms

WheePool reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email and in-app notification. Continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. Contact Us

© 2025 WheePool. All rights reserved.
By using WheePool, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.