Splend is designed specifically for rideshare drivers, offering two flexible vehicle plans to suit your needs. Our flagship plan, Flexi Own, allows you to work towards car ownership while benefiting from all the inclusions necessary for a hassle-free experience. Each payment you make goes towards paying off your car, and once you make your final payment, ownership can be transferred to you for $1. If you prefer to test the water to see if being a rideshare driver is for you, Flexi Try enables you to try before you buy, and you can move over to Flexi Own at any time, or simply walk away. Whichever option you choose, Splend covers everything, including insurance, servicing, registration, and maintenance.

Getting started with Splend is very easy and straightforward. First, fill in the enquiry form on our website. Then, one of our team members will contact you to understand your needs and help you choose the perfect car for your rideshare business. You’ll then be invited to book an appointment at one of our hubs, where you can test drive the car and finalise the sign-up process. Once that’s done, you can pick up your car and start enjoying hassle-free driving.

To sign up, you’ll need a copy of your driver’s licence with your current address or change of address sticker, your passport/birth certificate or citizenship certificate, and your driving history issued by your state road and transport authority.

We understand that costs are a crucial factor for Rideshare drivers, which is why Splend offers transparent pricing and all-inclusive packages that aim to be cheaper than you would get organising the buying, financing and owning costs yourself. Our weekly payments include all your car ownership expenses such as registration, servicing, maintenance and damage and loss cover, and are typically much cheaper (and certainly more convenient) than managing everything yourself. There's also a one-off establishment fee to get started. If you exceed your weekly mileage limit, additional charges of 10 cents per km apply, but these charges go towards paying off your vehicle earlier.

No, you do not need a good credit history to join Splend. Unlike traditional car finance options that often require a strong credit score and significant documentation, Splend is more flexible. We offer plans where credit score is not a major factor. Payments are collected one week in advance, which allows us to approve the majority of applications.

No, Splend doesn’t issue credit. We charge all our vehicle plan fees one week in advance.

If you’re approved for Uber and have the required documents, we can onboard you into an Uber-ready Splend car within 24 hours, subject to availability. You can sign up with Splend even if you’re not approved yet, and we’ll process your Uber application for you.  Depending on the availability of the vehicle you choose, there may be a small wait for delivery.

Splend offers a wide range of cars suitable for rideshare, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrids, and Petrol and Diesel options. We’ll help you find the right car for your circumstances, considering not only the cost but also the potential earnings based on the different Uber categories you’d qualify for. Whether you’re after lower running costs with an EV or looking to maximise your earnings in one of Uber’s premium categories, we’ve got you covered.

We have hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. To be a Splend customer you need to live within 200km of one of our hubs, so we also service areas like Newcastle, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast and Geelong.

Please do! The car is yours to use 24/7, both for your Rideshare business and also for personal use. If you want to drive the car on a road trip, ask your Customer Specialist for written consent.

You can nominate a second driver, and once approved, they can use the car for incidental personal use. However, only one driver may use the car for Uber. 

Tell another rideshare driver about Splend, and if they use your referral code when they enquire and then sign up to a Flexi Own plan, you’ll get a $250 Splend credit – plus they’ll get a $50 Splend credit when they own with Splend, or a $250 Splend credit if their new Splend ride is an EV. There's no limit to how many friends you can refer so our referral program is a unique opportunity to drastically reduce your weekly payments. You'll receive your unique referral code when you become a customer so make sure you give it to anyone you know who is looking to own their Rideshare car the smarter way!

At Splend, we know that one of the most important aspects of driving a Rideshare car is to make sure you are covered if you have an accident or your car is stolen. Unfortunately insurance companies charge high premiums for Rideshare policies. Our all-inclusive plans provide Damage and Loss Cover, including using the car for ridesharing and delivery work.  Full terms for the loss and damage cover are specified in your agreement and are only valid if you adhere to the conditions.

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If there are any serious injuries, call an ambulance at 000. After you’ve attended to all medical issues, please ring 1800 775 363 and ask for the Accidents department. It's important you report all damage immediately (within 24 hours of the accident occurring).

There is a standard damage and loss waiver of $1,500, which is charged at the time of a claim, however this is refunded if If we can successfully recover the costs from another at-fault party.

If we can successfully recover the costs from the at-fault party, we’ll refund you the damage and loss waiver.

Our payment relief program delivers up to 4 weeks per year where you can pay a nominal sum of just $99 instead of your regular weekly payment. This benefit enables you to take a break from full time rideshare driving without having to worry about meeting your full payment. During the payment holiday relief period you are limited to driving 200km during a single week.

Drivers become eligible for 2 weeks of payment holiday relief after they pass their minimum period, and another 2 weeks after the next 6 months. Every 6 months thereafter you can request another 2 weeks of payment holiday relief.

There are eligibility rules for this benefit. Drivers must not have failed more than one payment in the last 3 months and must have a Crash Probability Score (CPS) of less than 9 to qualify.

For full Payment holiday terms and conditions click here.

Yes! Splend’s Flexi Own and Flexi Try plans come with a range of benefits. Not only do our plans include all major ongoing ownership costs (meaning no separate bills for things like insurance, registration and CTP, scheduled servicing, replacement brakes and tyres, and roadside assistance) but our customers receive other benefits they wouldn't find by going it alone with DIY buying and financing. Some benefits our customers enjoy are a free Uber-approved courtesy car (if their car is off the road for a warranty repair or after an accident), payment holiday relief (up to 4 weeks per year), referral benefits if they refer a friend, ongoing support, and more.

At Splend, we’re big on community. We hold regular customer events where you can attend training sessions to learn how to become a more profitable Uber driver and catch up with other drivers to exchange ideas and strategies. We also provide every customer a dedicated Customer Specialist to help our drivers have successful career.  

At Splend, we don’t just hand you the keys and leave you hanging. Our dedicated Customer Specialists are on hand to answer any questions or deal with any issues. They can help you through every step to becoming a successful on-demand driver, as well as down the road.

The Splend app lets you check your invoices, update your payment details, book a car maintenance session, view weekly and daily mileage, and more.

You can also keep tabs on your crash probability score, ensuring you can maintain a safe driving standard and qualify for our payment relief benefit.

Search “Splend” in the App Store or Google Play, and hit Install.

Our benefits package is available exclusively to Splend customers. Sign up or say hello on 1800 775 363, and become a Splend customer today.

• You must be at least 23 years old

• Have a current valid Australian driver’s licence. See the licence requirements in each state

• Be an approved rideshare driver, passing the mandatory criminal and driving history checks. You can sign up even if you’re new to rideshare, as we’ll assist with your applications.

We offer new-model petrol, diesel, petrol-electric hybrid, and fully electric cars (EVs) on our all-inclusive Flexi Own plans. All models are compliant with rideshare and on-demand delivery regulations in force and come with a valid rideshare licence as well as rideshare specific damage and loss cover. In addition, the one weekly payment covers registration costs, scheduled servicing, ongoing maintenance (replacement tyres and brakes) as well as 24/7 roadside assistance, a fully-approved Uber courtesy car for accident or warranty issues and more. At the end of the Flexi Own term the ownership of the vehicle can be transferred to the customer for $1, making this the smartest way to buy and own a vehicle for rideshare.

Check out our current vehicle available on Flexi Own here.

All cars come with the state-specific documentation up to date, so they’re ready for Uber driving and other on-demand work.

As part of your Flexi Own plan, we cover all your scheduled and warranty maintenance costs. You must ensure your car is maintained to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, which can be found online as well as the car’s log book in the glovebox.

Each scheduled manufacturer’s service should be completed within 1,000 km of being due. Your car will be off the road for up to one working day during this time.

Your Flexi Own plan includes 180,000 KMs or 12 services, whichever is sooner.

Splend customers also enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance, for things like:

• Flat or faulty battery

• Emergency fuel

• Flat tyres

• Towing

• Unlocking the car

Additionally, all Splend cars come with an extensive factory manufacturer’s warranty to cover the cost of most defects.

However, it’s our customers’ responsibility to cover all repairs not under warranty, including but not limited to punctures, panel damage, and all other non-wear-and-tear items. If unsure, contact your Customer Specialist.

The maintenance pack is designed to provide replacement tyres and brakes that a normal driver would need over the length of the plan term. This includes

• 10 x tyres

• 6 x 2 brake pads

• 2 x 2 brake discs

The manufacturer warranty and the included Loss and Damage waiver don’t cover flat tyres. If you get a puncture, ask for roadside assistance at 1800 775 363, and arrange to have the tyre replaced at your cost.

We operate in accordance with the AFLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide. We accept wear and tear that is reasonable given your car’s age/mileage.

We have a range of vehicles with a range of weekly plan prices, dependent on the recommended retail driveaway price of the car and other factors including cost of insurance. All our prices include all your ongoing ownership costs (including registration, CTP, rideshare damage and loss cover, scheduled servicing, replacement tyres and brakes, roadside assistance and more). We charge your nominated debit or credit card every Wednesday night for the following week’s payment (Monday-Sunday).

There is also a setup fee of $990 that is payable when signing up to your Flexi Own plan. This fee covers the cost of conducting background and credit checks to help us process your application, as well as vehicle delivery costs and the provision of our customer benefits that are available to you for the entire duration of your plan.

If you are upgrading from a Flexi Try plan this fee is $715.

10 cents per kilometre will be payable for every kilometre you travel over your 1000km allowance in any given week. All fees for those additional kilometres will be deducted from the total cost of your vehicle, so if you regularly exceed your 1000km free limit, don’t worry, as it means you will own your car sooner.

Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and stress less into one affordable weekly payment.

Your weekly payment not only covers the cost of the car (think about this as what you would pay a finance company to pay off a car you bought and financed the ordinary way) but also covers all the essential ongoing costs associated with owning and operating a rideshare car. These include: registration, rideshare specific damage and loss cover, scheduled servicing, ongoing maintenance items (like replacement tyres and brakes), 24/7 roadside assistance, access to an Uber approved courtesy car if you car is damaged in an accident or needs to be repaired due to a warranty issue, plus other exclusive Splend driver benefits.

YourFlexi Own weekly payment includes a 1,000 km weekly driving allowance. We charge a 10¢ per km early ownership fee for any excess mileage, which brings forward the finish date of your agreement. In other words, the more you drive, the sooner you gain full ownership of the car.

If you drive 1,500 kilometres a week in your Splend Flexi Own car, you’ll pay an early ownership fee of $50. That $50 payment contributes towards you owning your car sooner by approximately one day ($359 / 7 days = $51.29).

You can reduce the length of your 4-year Flexi subscription this way by a maximum of 52 weeks, so the earliest you can own your car on a Flexi Own plan for a new car is 3 years (our pre-owned vehicles can be owned sooner as the kms/age of the car is taken into account in the initial term calculation).

We charge your nominated debit or credit card every Wednesday night for the following week (Monday-Sunday).

We charge a $40 late payment fee for any missed payments. If you think you’ll miss a payment, please let your Customer Specialist know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to try and come up with alternative payment terms.

Yes, you need to pay the full setup fee again.

We understand that circumstances can sometimes change, so with Flexi Own, we only have a 26-week minimum period (for 4 year plans) and 12 months (for 5 year plans), with 4 weeks’ notice required to end the agreement.

In order to return your car, you must give four weeks’ notice – in writing – to your Customer Specialist.

There are no fees charged if you decide to return your car after the minimum term is served, and everything else is in order (see below for details). If you return the car before the minimum term is completed, you will need to pay any remaining weeks in full, so if you have two weeks before the minimum period ends, you will be charged for those two weeks.

We have a full-to-full fuel policy, so we may need to charge a refuelling fee if the car isn’t returned with a full tank. A cleaning fee may also apply if the car requires further cleaning upon its return.

If you need to return your car early, you will be charged the fees for the weeks that remain until the end of your minimum agreement period.

For example, if you have four weeks left until the end of your minimum agreement period, we’ll charge you the equivalent of four weekly payments upon returning the car.

Once you enter the final twelve months of your Flexi Own agreement, you may request an early buyout for a $110 admin fee.

To complete your early buyout, you need to pay the weekly fee for every week remaining on your Flexi Own agreement.

For example, if you have 20 weeks remaining on the subscription for your Polestar 2 with a weekly rate of $399, your early buyout amount would be: $399 x 20 = $7,980.

At the completion of your Flexi Own contract, the ownership of the car can be transferred to you. We’ll charge you a $1 balloon payment for transferring the car to your name.

You’ll also need to pay the government stamp duty. This is a separate tax so is not charged by Splend. You will need to pay this either online or at your local service centre where you go to renew your motor vehicle license.

Please note the stamp duty amount will vary based on the Australian state or territory you live in, as well as the market value of your car at the time of sale. For example, in NSW, you must pay $300 in stamp duty for a car valued at $10,000.

Splend’s Flexi Own fee includes a government and insurance charge element that is outside of our control. If any of these change, we may need to increase or decrease your weekly subscription fees by this amount.

You must be at least 23 years old

Have a current valid Australian driver’s licence. See the licence requirements in each state

Be an approved rideshare driver, passing the mandatory criminal and driving history checks. You can sign up even if you’re new to rideshare, as we’ll assist with your applications.

We offer new model electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles on fully flexible terms through our Flexi Try packages. Our entire fleet is compliant with rideshare and on-demand delivery regulations. Standard benefits include assistance with rideshare driver certification, and fully comprehensive rideshare damage and loss cover. If you are looking to own your car rather than rent, our Flexi Own plans offer the same benefits (plus more) with the added bonus of owning your vehicle at the end of your term.

All cars come with the state-specific documentation up to date, so they’re ready for Uber driving and other on-demand work.

As part of the weekly subscription fee, we cover all your scheduled and warranty maintenance costs. You must ensure your car is maintained to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, which is listed above under the car specifications, as well as the car’s log book in the glovebox.

Each scheduled manufacturer’s service should be completed within 1,000 km of being due. Your car will be off the road for up to one working day.

Splend customers also enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance, for things like

• Flat or faulty battery

• Emergency fuel

• Flat tyres

• Towing

• Unlocking the car

However, it’s our customers’ responsibility to cover all repairs not under warranty, including but not limited to punctures, panel damage, and all other non-wear-and-tear items. If unsure, contact your Customer Specialist.

The maintenance pack is designed to provide everything that a normal driver would need over the length of the subscription, this includes:

• 10 tyres

• 6 x 2 brake pads

• 2 x 2 brake discs

The manufacturer warranty and the included Loss and Damage waiver don’t cover flat tyres. If you get a puncture, ask for roadside assistance at 1800 775 363, and arrange to have the tyre replaced at your cost.

We operate in accordance with the AFLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide. We accept wear and tear that is reasonable given your car’s age/mileage.

Depending on the car you choose, how many Uber trips you've taken and the number of kms you want to include per week in your plan, Splend's Flexi Try rental plans start at $279 per week (inc. GST). We charge your nominated debit or credit card every Wednesday night for the following week (Monday-Sunday). There is also a setup fee you must pay when joining your Flexi subscription plan. This fee covers your car’s delivery, gives you access to our customer benefits for the entire duration of your subscription, but we also use it to conduct background- and credit checks and process your application.

In addition to the car, the Flexi Try plan covers your vehicle registration, rideshare damage and loss cover, as well as your car’s scheduled servicing, replacement tyres and brakes and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Your agreement includes a 1,000 km weekly driving allowance. Excess mileage above that costs 10¢ per km for additional operating and maintenance costs.

We charge your nominated debit or credit card every Wednesday night for the following week (Monday-Sunday).

We charge a $40 late payment fee for any missed payments. If you think you’ll miss a payment, please let your Customer Specialist know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to try and come up with alternative payment terms.

Yes, you need to pay the full setup fee amount.

Yes, for Flexi Try we have a six-week minimum subscription period (4 weeks, with 2 weeks’ notice), after which you can return the car at no cost.

In order to return your car, you must give two weeks’ notice – in writing – to your Customer Specialist.

We have a full-to-full fuel policy, so we may need to charge a re-fuellling if the car isn’t returned with a full tank. A cleaning fee may also apply if the car requires further cleaning at the end of your subscription.

If you need to return your car early, we’ll charge the weekly fees remaining until the end of your minimum subscription period.

For example, if you have four weeks left until the end of your minimum subscription period, we’ll charge you four times your weekly fee upon returning the car.

Splend’s weekly subscription fee includes a government and insurance charge element that is outside of our control. If any of this change, we may need to increase or decrease your weekly fees by this amount.

Your weekly fee is subject to additional fees for unpaid toll fees or penalty notices, and we also charge an administration fee for handling those on your behalf, so be sure to get yourself an e-tag if you plan to use toll roads or bridges in order to avoid those charges. A late payment fee will also be applied if your weekly payment is not made on the due date, and you will also be charged for any additional kilometres you travel per week over your allowance.

There are three options:

At-home standard charging – using a regular 240V wall socket and the cable provided with the vehicle

At-home fast charging – installing a fast charger, specifically for your car

Public charging stations – at any of the over 1600 locations available in Australia, as of September 2024. Locate them using Plugshare (plugshare.com).

It depends on car model, battery size and charging level:

Standard, 240V home wall socket – adds around 10 km of range per hour. Most EVs require at least 11 hours to fully charge

Professional home charger – adds between 40-100 km of range per hour, depending on the vehicle model. A standard range EV can be fully charged overnight using this charger

DC fast charger – adds up to 150 km of range per hour.

Ultrafast DC charger – the fastest way to charge your EV. It can fully recharge some electric cars in as little as 15 minutes.

Most EVs come with a Type 2 Mennekes charger, compatible with most charging stations in Australia. The latest car models come with a double charger made of a Type 2 Mennekes plug on top and CCS2 plug below, so you can use it for both fast and ultrafast DC chargers. 

It depends on where you are in Australia, on battery size and charging level.

Charging costs are based on kWh (a unit of energy). Currently public fast charging costs between 40c – 80c per kWh and this is determined by the market.

Home charging rates will vary based on state and your electricity plan and provider

Even using fast charging stations, it will cost you a lot less to charge your electric vehicle than to fill up a petrol or hybrid car with fuel.

Here are a few useful tips:

Be aware of the charging stations near you - electric cars can be intimidating, especially if you're driving one for the very first time. Our advice is to always be aware of the nearest charging point. Check the charging stations available now in your area, using one of the charging locator apps available. Make a note of the ones closest to you, and plug in your car every time you take a long break (30 minutes or more).

Some EVs will show how many kms will be left at the end of your trip. Others, such as the Polestar 2, will show how much range you’ve got at any moment and also how many will be left at the end of your rideshare trip. Check the number every time you’ve taken a longer trip and make sure you have a charging station near you, in case you need one.

Roadside assistance is included in your Splend subscription plan, so give us a call. If you do run out of charge before getting to a charging station, call 1800 775 363, ask for roadside assistance, and we'll get you moving again.

The current predictions for EV technology are that an electric battery will last from 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced*. The cars we offer at Splend are brand new, so chances are you won’t have to change the battery anytime soon.

Source:

https://blog.evbox.com/ev-battery-longevity

If you’d like to read more about EVs, check our informative articles on the Splend blog. We cover different topics related to electric vehicles, such as 10 myths busted about driving an EV for Uber or top 4 reasons to switch to an electric vehicle.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to call us on 1800 775 363.

Here’s a simple comparison, based on a weekly travel distance of 1000 km, using national average fuel and electric charging prices as of September 2024:

Cost of petrol for a Kia Sportage: $165.75 per week (85l/1000 km x $1.95 per litre)

Cost of charging a Polestar 2 EV: $37.50 per week (75 kWh x $0.50 per kWh)

• In Sydney: Visit our Sydney Customer Hub at Haberfield to explore and test drive our range of vehicles in person.

• Outside Sydney: We offer virtual viewings via detailed photos and phone consultations. Additionally, you can request a mechanical inspection at your expense.

All Splend used vehicles are protected by either the manufacturer’s warranty (if still valid) or a statutory warranty of 3 months or 5,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

1. Direct Purchase: Via EFT payment or bank transfer.

2. Express Ownership Plans: Consider our flexible ownership options which include comprehensive coverage for rideshare insurance, servicing, registration, and a replacement vehicle in case of an accident.

There are two options:

1. Pick-Up: Collect your vehicle directly from our Sydney Customer Hub.

2. Delivery: Arrange for transportation at your own cost.

For our vehicles that are for outright Purchase insurance is not included; you will need to arrange your own insurance prior to pick up or delivery.

Alternatively, you could consider our express Ownership Flexi Own Plans for pre-owned vehicles as full rideshare insurance is included.

There is no cooling-off period after you have signed the contract and completed your deposit payment.

In Sydney, bring your current vehicle to our Customer Hub for a valuation and potential trade-in.

You can still purchase from our Sydney hub. Note that you will be responsible for transport and state-specific ownership transfer costs, such as stamp duty and registration. We can assist in providing transport and cost-transfer options.

1. Outright Purchase: Returns are not possible.

2. Express Ownership Plan: You can return the vehicle at no additional cost after completing the minimum term of your plan, which could be either 6 or 12 months.

We offer a variety of electric vehicles to suit all customers requirements. Enquiry with our team to explore the range of brands, models, feature options and colour range.

No, Splend does not conduct credit checks.

If you are purchasing a used vehicle from us outright you will need to have your finance arranged separately or have the cash to purchase. Alternatively you can buy through our Flexi Own plan, which is not a traditional finance product which means no hit on your credit file and no finance application. It also means all your ownership costs are included throughout the life of your plan and our express ownership plans on used vehicles mean you can own your car sooner.

Our vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection and certification process to meet high safety and performance standards, including comprehensive mechanical checks and reconditioning.

Splend strictly follows the manufactures servicing and maintenance guidelines with approved and certified service providers to ensure the highest quality and reliability of our vehicles.

Splend will provide warranty assistance for mechanical issues covered under the statutory warranty or will coordinate repairs covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, if applicable.

Our vehicles are in stock at our Sydney Hub. Once your payment has been validated, you can collect your vehicle straight away. If you are transporting the vehicle, the time will be dependent on the transport option you have chosen.