A French startup has launched a car-sharing service for people with disabilities, an area that has so far been left relatively untouched by Uber.
Wheeliz describes itself a "peer to peer adapted car rental" and says it provides the largest fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles. The French company aims to connect people with disabilities to owners of adapted cars.
Uber and its other peers have been criticized for their services not being accessible to people with disabilities.
Uber has been hit with lawsuits in the U.S. that accuse the company of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. However, Uber has claimed that its a technology company, not a transportation service and therefore, does not fall under the ADA's jurisdiction.
Wheeliz was co-founded by Charolette de Vilmorin, a person who has spent her entire life in a wheelchair. While visiting Florida earlier this year, de Vilmorin found out how difficult and expensive it was to rent a car adapted for people with disabilities.
Wheeliz says it provides services that are up to 50 percent cheaper than a regular rental agency and that every rental will be insured by MAIF. This will replace the owners insurance for the duration of the rental and also covers accidents.
According to Wheeliz, an owner of a wheelchair accessible vehicle can, on average, earn 345 euros a week by renting out their car. The company takes a 30 percent commission.
Wheeliz notes that there are more than 100,000 private owners of wheelchair accessible vehicles in France. Currently, the company has 120 cars listed, with 900 registered users and plans to expand internationally.
Meanwhile, Uber has said its rider application's accessible technology features accommodate people who are blind and visually impaired.
The company also notes that its UberASSIST, available in select markets, is designed for riders who would like additional assistance and that all drivers accommodate folding wheelchairs.
Uber said in late July that it is piloting UberASSIST in Chicago, Houston, San Diego, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon, with rides offered at the same cost as a regular UberX service.
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