Accessible transportation remains vital for seniors maintaining independence while attending medical appointments, social events, and running errands. Uber’s ridesharing services offer a practical solution to this essential need.

Uber provides several specialized options for older adults looking to preserve their mobility and autonomy. The standard UberX accommodates up to four passengers, while UberXL offers larger vehicles for groups. UberComfort features newer cars with extra legroom, and UberASSIST specifically serves seniors and people with disabilities. UberASSIST drivers receive special training to assist with mobility devices including folding wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. The door-to-door service eliminates the physical strain of walking to public transportation stops.

Seniors without smartphones can still access Uber through alternative methods. They can book rides using a computer or tablet, ask family members to make reservations on their behalf, or use services like GoGoGrandparent. GoGoGrandparent connects older adults to Uber drivers without requiring a smartphone, allowing them to request rides through simple phone calls.

This guide covers using Uber for seniors safely and effectively. Topics include setting up an account, booking rides, and utilizing important safety features such as real-time trip tracking that allows family members to monitor the journey. The guide also explores cost-saving options and alternatives specifically designed for older adults’ transportation needs.

Getting Started with Uber for Seniors

Uber account setup might appear daunting for older adults unfamiliar with smartphone technology. The process becomes manageable when broken down into simple steps.

Create an Uber account step-by-step

Having a family member assist with initial account setup often proves beneficial for seniors. This approach streamlines the process and builds confidence in using the service.

The account creation process involves several straightforward steps:

1. Download the Uber app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), or set up an account through Uber’s website using a computer.
2. Open the app and select “Sign Up” to provide basic information including your name, mobile phone number, and preferred language.
3. Verify your phone number by entering the 4-digit code Uber sends via text message to confirm your identity.
4. Enter your email address for receiving ride receipts and account information.
5. Create a password with at least 6 characters.
6. Enable notifications to receive real-time updates about your driver’s location and arrival.

Seniors without smartphones can call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) from any phone capable of receiving text messages. An Uber representative will help set up an account and request rides.

The Uber Caregiver feature (launching summer 2024) will enable family members to arrange transportation for loved ones. Both parties can simultaneously track rides and communicate with drivers.

Set up payment methods securely

After creating an account, adding a payment method becomes necessary before booking rides:

1. Access payment settings by tapping your profile icon, then selecting “Wallet”.
2. Add a payment method by tapping “Add Payment Method” and selecting your preferred option. Uber accepts:
   • Credit cards
   • Debit cards
   • PayPal (in some regions)
   • Direct Express (Social Security’s prepaid debit card)
3. Enter payment details including the card number, expiration date, CVV code, and billing ZIP code.

Uber operates entirely cashless, requiring a valid payment method before ride requests. For added security, consider having a trusted family member help establish and monitor the payment method.

First-time users typically feel more at ease when family members provide guidance through the entire process. This supportive approach helps seniors gain confidence with the technology.

Verifying all personal and payment information before finalizing account setup prevents potential issues when requesting your first ride.

Seniors in assisted living facilities might access Uber Business through their residence, potentially offering different payment arrangements depending on facility policies.

How to Book a Ride Using the Uber App

Booking an Uber ride requires just a few simple steps on the smartphone app. The process works smoothly even for seniors who may not be familiar with ridesharing technology.

Enter your pickup and drop-off locations

The Uber app automatically identifies your current location as the pickup point in most cases. Here’s how to book a ride:

1. Open the Uber app on your smartphone or tablet
2. Tap “Where to?” at the top of the screen
3. Type your destination address or location name
4. Verify your pickup location is correct

If the app doesn’t accurately identify your pickup location, you can adjust it by typing a new address or moving the pin directly on the map. The app highlights restricted pickup areas to help avoid problems. For locations you visit regularly, the “Saved Places” feature stores these addresses for quicker access in future bookings.

Choose the right ride type (UberX, Uber Assist, etc.)

After entering your locations, the app displays various ride options at the bottom of the screen:

• UberX: Standard service for up to four passengers, typically the most affordable option
• UberXL: Larger vehicles accommodating up to six passengers
• Uber Assist: Specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities who need extra help

Uber Assist provides experienced, highly-rated drivers trained to offer additional assistance. The service accommodates older adults, passengers with assistance animals, people with visual or hearing impairments, and those using foldable mobility devices. Uber Assist costs the same as UberX, making it an excellent option without additional expense.

The app shows estimated fare and arrival time for each option before you confirm your selection.

Track your driver in real-time

Once you request a ride, Uber’s tracking features help monitor your journey:

1. The app displays your driver’s name, photo, vehicle information, and license plate number
2. A map shows your driver’s real-time location and route as they approach
3. Push notifications alert you when your driver is arriving

The “Share Trip Status” feature provides additional security for seniors and their families. This tool lets you share journey details with up to five trusted contacts:

1. Swipe up on the app screen after requesting your ride
2. Select “Share Trip Status”
3. Choose contacts to receive your trip information

These contacts receive a text message with a link showing your trip details, driver information, and a live map tracking your journey from pickup to destination.

Before entering any vehicle, verify you’re getting into the correct car by confirming the license plate number, car model, and driver photo match what appears in your app.

Using Uber Without a Smartphone

Uber’s transportation services remain accessible even for those without smartphones. Several alternatives exist specifically for seniors who prefer traditional communication methods or lack smartphone technology.

Call a ride using GoGoGrandparent or Arrive

GoGoGrandparent functions as an intermediary service connecting seniors to Uber without requiring a smartphone app. The service offers multiple ways to request rides:

1. Call their 24/7 toll-free number: Dial 1-855-464-6872 to speak with an operator who will arrange your Uber ride.
2. Use their simple phone menu: Press 1 to get picked up at home, Press 2 to return from your last location, or Press 6 to speak with an operator for custom destinations.

GoGoGrandparent monitors your trip from beginning to end, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families. The service accepts various payment methods, including regular credit cards, debit cards, and Direct Express (Social Security’s prepaid debit card).

Arrive offers a similar concierge service with distinct features:

• Call their dedicated phone line (1-866-626-9879) to have an Arrive concierge dispatch a car.
• Your favorite destinations are stored in your profile for faster booking.
• Arrive typically costs less than traditional taxis, and you don’t need to pay the driver directly.
• Note that Arrive charges a monthly membership fee and may have after-hours fees in addition to the ride cost.

Both services allow seniors to speak with a real person rather than navigating an app interface.

Book a ride from a computer or tablet

Seniors comfortable with computers or tablets but not smartphones can use Uber’s website option:

1. Visit uber.com/go in any web browser (or m.uber.com for the mobile site)
2. Log in with your phone number or create an account if you’re new
3. Enter your pickup location (allow location access or type it manually)
4. Add your destination address
5. Select your preferred ride type and confirm

This option works on any device with internet access—laptops, desktop computers, or tablets. You’ll receive email receipts for your rides, and can download them later by signing in at riders.uber.com.

Uber’s direct phone service provides another alternative. Seniors can call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) from any phone that can receive text messages, and an Uber team member will help set up an account and request rides.

These alternatives ensure seniors can still access the convenience, safety, and independence that Uber transportation provides, even without a smartphone.

Safety and Accessibility Tips for Seniors

Safety remains the top priority when using ride-sharing services, particularly for seniors. Uber has implemented several features designed to protect vulnerable riders, including older adults who might need extra assistance. These tools ensure a secure transportation experience.

Verify your driver before entering the car

Driver verification is crucial before entering any Uber vehicle. The app provides multiple methods to confirm you’re getting into the correct car:

The driver’s name, vehicle make, model, and license plate number appear in your app after you’re matched with a driver. This information is also sent via push notification with verification instructions.

Instead of asking “Are you my Uber?”, safety experts recommend this approach:

1. Stand a few feet from the vehicle
2. Ask the driver to confirm your name first
3. Verify the license plate matches what’s shown in your app

Uber offers PIN verification for additional security. Once enabled, you’ll receive a unique 4-digit code for each ride. The driver must enter this PIN in their app before the trip can begin.

Use Uber’s trip sharing feature for peace of mind

Trip sharing allows family members to monitor journeys in real-time, providing valuable security for senior riders.

To share your trip:

1. Tap the blue safety shield icon on the map during your trip
2. Select “Share your trip”
3. Choose contacts from your phone or copy a shareable link

Your chosen contacts don’t need the Uber app to track your journey. They’ll receive a link with the driver’s information and a real-time map showing your entire route from pickup to destination.

Research suggests ride-share services like Uber may help address negative health consequences associated with driving cessation for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes safe transportation options for seniors to help them maintain independence as they age.

Uber has recognized the importance of building trust between riders and drivers through rider verification badges that help drivers identify verified passengers.

Saving Money and Exploring Alternatives

Transportation costs can add up quickly for seniors on fixed incomes. Several cost-effective alternatives and money-saving strategies exist for seniors using Uber and similar rideshare services.

Check for local senior ride programs

Numerous community-based transportation options serve older adults beyond commercial rideshare services.

Volunteer transportation programs provide free or low-cost door-to-door rides through local volunteers who assist seniors with errands and appointments. The National Volunteer Transportation Center maintains a state-by-state directory of available services on their website. These programs often serve seniors who have limited mobility options in their communities.

Many seniors qualify for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) through Medicare. This government-funded program offers free or low-cost transportation to medical appointments. Seniors can contact their state’s Department of Health to inquire about eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Local organizations have increasingly established partnerships with Uber to provide discounted rides. Healthcare providers, senior centers, and community organizations collaborate with Uber to offer reduced fares or even free rides to eligible seniors. These partnerships typically focus on transportation to medical appointments, allowing seniors to maintain independence while addressing healthcare needs.

Use Uber Reserve to lock in lower fares

Uber Reserve helps seniors secure better rates and improved service without the uncertainty of on-demand pricing.

This feature allows scheduling rides up to 90 days in advance, with upfront pricing that includes the reservation fee. Unlike standard on-demand rides which may surge in price during busy periods, Uber Reserve locks in the fare when booked, providing cost certainty for budget-conscious seniors.

The service includes extended wait times—5 minutes for Economy and 15 minutes for Premium rides—at no extra charge. This gives seniors ample time to get to the vehicle without rushing, reducing stress and potential falls.

For airport pickups, Uber Reserve tracks incoming flights and ensures drivers are waiting, even if flights are delayed. This feature proves especially valuable when traveling to areas where rideshare services might be less readily available.

Which service best fits a senior’s needs depends on their location, budget, and personal preferences. Local senior centers and the federal website eldercare.acl.gov provide additional information about transportation options in specific communities.

How to Use Uber for Seniors: A Simple Guide for Safe Rides

Conclusion

Uber offers transportation solutions that help seniors maintain independence while addressing their unique mobility needs. The service provides multiple options for account setup, booking rides with or without smartphones, and safety features including driver verification and trip sharing. These features provide reassurance to both seniors and their family members concerned about transportation safety.

Uber Assist stands out among the accessibility options for older adults who need assistance with mobility devices. The service enables seniors to attend medical appointments, social gatherings, and handle errands without depending on family members’ schedules.

For seniors on fixed incomes, cost management remains important. Volunteer transportation programs, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation through Medicare, and Uber Reserve’s guaranteed rates offer financial alternatives. These options, combined with smartphone alternatives like GoGoGrandparent, ensure transportation accessibility regardless of technology comfort levels.

Mobility directly contributes to independence and quality of life for aging adults. Ridesharing services help bridge the transportation gap many seniors face after driving cessation. With initial setup assistance from family members, Uber can become a reliable component of a senior’s transportation strategy. The combination of convenience, safety features, and accessibility makes ridesharing services practical for seniors wanting to remain active in their communities.

FAQs

Q1. How can seniors use Uber if they don’t have a smartphone? Seniors without smartphones can use Uber through services like GoGoGrandparent or by calling 1-833-USE-UBER. These options allow seniors to book rides via phone calls, eliminating the need for a smartphone app.

Q2. What safety features does Uber offer for senior riders? Uber provides several safety features for seniors, including driver verification, PIN verification, and trip sharing. Riders can verify driver details before entering the vehicle and share their trip status with trusted contacts for real-time monitoring.

Q3. Are there any special Uber services designed for seniors or those with mobility issues? Yes, Uber offers Uber Assist, a service specifically designed for seniors and people with disabilities. It provides highly rated, experienced drivers who can offer enhanced assistance, including help with mobility devices, at no extra cost compared to UberX.

Q4. How can seniors save money on Uber rides? Seniors can save money by checking for local senior ride programs, using Uber Reserve to lock in lower fares, and exploring partnerships between Uber and healthcare providers or community organizations that may offer discounted rides.

Q5. Can family members or caregivers book Uber rides for seniors? Yes, Uber is launching a Caregiver feature that will allow family members to help their loved ones set up transportation. Both the care recipient and caregiver can track rides and communicate with drivers simultaneously, enhancing safety and convenience.