Uber Assist connects riders who need extra help with drivers trained to provide it
Uber Assist is a service option within the Uber app that matches you with drivers who have completed training in assisting passengers with disabilities or mobility challenges. When you request Uber Assist, you're paired with a driver who has agreed to help with tasks like carrying bags, opening doors, or providing a steady arm — not just driving you from point A to point B.
The service costs more than UberX but less than premium options like Uber Black. The exact price depends on your location, time of day, and current demand. You'll see the fare estimate in the app before you confirm the ride, the same way you would with any other Uber service.
Uber Assist is available in select cities across the United States. Not every market has the service yet, and availability can change. If you open the app and don't see Uber Assist as an option, it means the service isn't currently running in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Assist drivers have completed Uber's training program on how to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility needs safely and respectfully.
- You request Uber Assist through the app the same way you request any other ride, and you'll see the price before confirming.
- The service is only available in certain cities, and you can check whether it's offered in your area by opening the app and looking at your ride options.
- Drivers are not personal care attendants — they help with practical tasks like carrying luggage or steadying you, but they cannot provide medical care or personal hygiene assistance.
- You can add trip details in the app to let your driver know what kind of help you'll need, which gives them time to prepare.
How to request an Uber Assist ride
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations as you normally would. Look at the ride options that appear on your screen. If Uber Assist is available in your area, it will show as one of the choices alongside UberX, Uber Comfort, and other service levels.
Tap on Uber Assist to select it. The app will show you the estimated fare and how long until a driver arrives. You can add a note in the trip details section — this is where you tell the driver what kind of help you need, such as "I use a walker and may need help getting out of the vehicle" or "I have several bags that need carrying." The more specific you are, the better prepared your driver can be.
Confirm the ride and wait for your driver to arrive. Once a driver accepts your request, you'll see their name, photo, and vehicle details, just as you would with any Uber ride. When they arrive, let them know if anything has changed about what you need.
What Uber Assist drivers are trained to do
Drivers who offer Uber Assist have completed Uber's training on assisting passengers with disabilities. This training covers how to help someone in and out of a vehicle safely, how to assist with mobility devices like walkers or canes, and how to carry bags or groceries. The training also includes how to communicate respectfully and ask what kind of help you need rather than assuming.
Drivers are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical care. They cannot help with personal hygiene tasks, medication, or anything that requires medical knowledge. They also cannot leave the vehicle to walk you to your door or provide services beyond what's needed to get you safely in and out of the car and to your destination.
If you need help that goes beyond what Uber Assist covers — such as assistance getting into your home, help with medical equipment, or ongoing care — you would need a different service, such as a personal care attendant or a medical transportation service.
Pricing and how it compares to other Uber options
Uber Assist costs more than UberX because drivers are trained and the service involves extra time and attention. The exact price varies by city, time of day, and demand. You'll always see the estimated fare in the app before you confirm the ride, so there are no surprises.
In most markets where Uber Assist is available, the price falls between UberX and Uber Comfort. Surge pricing applies to Uber Assist the same way it applies to other services — if demand is high, the fare will be higher. You can check the app at different times of day to see how prices change in your area.
Some riders with disabilities may be covered by Medicaid or other programs that reimburse transportation costs. Check with your insurance or benefits program to see whether Uber Assist rides are covered under your plan. You may need to use a specific app or service code to ensure the ride is billed correctly for reimbursement.
Checking if Uber Assist is available where you live
The easiest way to check is to open the Uber app, enter a pickup location, and look at the ride options that appear. If Uber Assist shows up as a choice, it's available in your area. If you don't see it, the service isn't currently offered in your city.
Uber's service map changes over time. A city might not have Uber Assist today but could have it in the future. You can check the Uber website or contact Uber support to ask whether Uber Assist is planned for your area, though they may not have a specific timeline to share.
If Uber Assist isn't available where you live, other options include standard Uber rides (where you can add a note requesting help), traditional taxi services, or medical transportation services that specialize in assisting people with disabilities or mobility challenges.
What to do if something goes wrong during your ride
If your driver doesn't provide the help you requested, or if you feel unsafe or disrespected, you can report the issue through the app. Open the trip receipt after the ride ends, tap the help icon, and select the reason for your report. Uber will review your complaint and may take action with the driver.
You can also rate your driver and leave comments about your experience. This feedback helps Uber identify drivers who may need additional training or who are not meeting the standards of the Uber Assist program.
If you have a serious safety concern, contact Uber support directly through the app or website. Keep records of the date, time, driver name, and what happened so you can provide details when you report the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request Uber Assist if I don't have a disability?
Yes. Uber Assist is for anyone who needs extra help with mobility or carrying items. You don't need to disclose a disability or provide documentation. If you need assistance getting in and out of a vehicle or carrying bags, you can request Uber Assist.
What if my driver arrives and I decide I don't need help?
You can cancel the ride before the driver arrives with no penalty. If the driver has already arrived, you can let them know you don't need assistance and proceed with the ride as normal. You'll still be charged the Uber Assist fare, but the driver won't be offended — they're trained to help only when you ask.
Can I use Uber Assist for airport trips?
Yes, if Uber Assist is available in your area and you're traveling to or from an airport. Enter your airport as the destination and select Uber Assist from the ride options. Let your driver know in the trip notes if you have luggage or other items that need help.
Is there a way to request the same driver for multiple trips?
Uber doesn't have a built-in feature to request a specific driver for future rides. However, if you have a good experience with a driver, you can rate them highly and add a comment. You may match with the same driver again if they're available in your area, but it's not may provide.
What happens if I need help after I arrive at my destination?
Uber Assist covers help getting in and out of the vehicle and to your destination. Once you've arrived, the driver's responsibility ends. If you need help getting into your home or with tasks inside, you would need a different service. Plan ahead if you know you'll need assistance beyond the ride itself.