DiDi-Rider is a free navigation mobile app that lets you request trips with partnered drivers. A product of DiDi, this is a travel app that features an easy-to-use interface and numerous options on ride types and payment methods. 

Similar to Grab and Uber, DiDi-Rider is an alternative to commuting using public transportation such as taxis and buses. Not only can you commission trips for a group, but you can also save up and just carpool with others. However, take note that the app itself performs poorly and can be more of a hassle than anything.

Is DiDi the same as Uber?

DiDi-Rider is an app-based vehicle-for-hire transportation service that isn’t different from those of Uber and other ridesharing services. These two, in particular, mostly just differ by the offered price ranges if you compare them. In terms of service, however, they both have good and bad points—and in DiDi-Rider’s case, the app greatly affects this due to how frustrating it is to use.

The interface isn’t too hard to understand. You simply select your pick-up and drop-off locations on the interactive map to request a ride. The app will display your driver’s information, as well as the vehicle used. After your trip, you then pay via your preferred method. If you’re worried about your safety, there are features such as the Emergency Button, Safety Toolkit, and Trusted Contacts that you can use.

As long as you enable your GPS location tracking all throughout, the app will work fine most of the time. However, while it doesn’t trouble much of its users, there are still some issues plaguing it. For one, you’ll often find your order getting canceled. Another thing is that the app may sometimes charge your request even though you never started your trip. The customer support isn’t helping much either.

Food, safe rides, and more

In a move to merge, even consolidate, its services, you can also order food delivery from the DiDi-Rider app as you would its DiDi Food application. It features the same simple three-step process of ordering, paying, and delivery found with its co-service, so using this feature will feel familiar to long-time users. Newcomers also won’t have problems between these two apps when it comes to user experience.

Now, as with any other service that involves direct personal contact, security and safety are one of the platform’s primary concerns. To ensure this, riders go through a strict and thorough screening process before getting hired to be part of the company. This is in addition to the aforementioned safety features mentioned above, so you can hail a ride with peace of mind.

Then there’s DiDi Delivery, which is its package delivery service that allows you to receive packages or have them sent to someone else. Whether you're sending care packages to friends and family, supporting local businesses, or need to have a document signed for work, this feature makes the whole back and forth process easier and simpler for everyone involved.

Requires lots of fixes

Overall, DiDi-Rider aims to be a competent rival against other ridesharing services, but its app drags it behind the more popular choices. While the user interface isn’t too hard to master, the app is often unstable and orders get frequently canceled—leading to some payment errors at times. It’s still usable but you’ll need a lot of patience to stick with this app.