What Uber is and how it differs from regular Uber
Uber is Uber's service for riders who use wheelchairs or have mobility devices that don't fit in a standard car. When you request an Uber ride through the main Uber app, you can select "Uber" as your vehicle type instead of UberX or Uber Comfort. The app then matches you with drivers who have been trained on wheelchair securement and have vehicles equipped to carry mobility devices.
The key difference from regular Uber is the vehicle itself. Uber vehicles are typically full-size vans or SUVs with a wheelchair lift or ramp, extra space inside, and securement systems — tie-downs and straps — to keep your chair stable during the ride. Regular Uber cars are sedans with no lift and limited space. Uber drivers complete additional training through Uber's program before they can accept Uber requests.
Pricing for Uber is typically higher than UberX because of the vehicle cost and driver training. The exact fare depends on your location, time of day, and distance, just like regular Uber rides. You see the estimated price before you confirm the request.
Key Takeaways
- Uber is available in select cities and you request it through the same Uber app you use for regular rides, by choosing "Uber" from the vehicle menu.
- Uber vehicles have wheelchair lifts or ramps and securement systems, and drivers have completed wheelchair handling training.
- Fares are higher than standard Uber rides because of the specialized vehicle and driver training required.
- Not all cities offer Uber, and availability can change, so you should check your app to see if it is available in your area before you need a ride.
- You can request Uber for any trip — commuting, medical appointments, social outings — just like you would a regular Uber ride.
How to request an Uber ride
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup location and destination. At the top of the screen where you normally see vehicle options (UberX, Uber Comfort, etc.), look for "Uber" as one of the choices. If Uber is not showing, it means it is not available in your area right now.
Tap "Uber" to see the estimated fare and wait time for an Uber vehicle. The app will show you how many minutes until a driver arrives. Once you confirm the request, the app assigns a driver and you can track their location in real time, just as you would with any Uber ride.
When the driver arrives, they will help you load your wheelchair or mobility device and secure it using the vehicle's tie-down system. Let the driver know if you have any specific needs — for example, if your chair needs to face a certain direction or if you need extra time to transfer. Drivers are trained to ask, but speaking up helps ensure the ride goes smoothly.
Which cities have Uber service
Uber is not available everywhere. As of now, it operates in a limited number of cities across the United States, including parts of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and a few others. The list of cities changes over time as Uber expands or pauses service in certain areas.
The fastest way to learn about Uber is available where you live is to open your Uber app, enter a pickup location, and see if "Uber" appears in the vehicle menu. If it does not show up, Uber is not currently available in your area. You can also contact Uber support through the app to ask about future availability in your city.
What documents and information you need
To use Uber, you need an active Uber account with a valid payment method on file — the same account you would use for regular Uber rides. You do not need to provide any medical documentation or proof of disability to request an Uber ride. Uber does not ask for or require disability verification.
When you request the ride, have your pickup and destination addresses ready. If you have a service animal, let the driver know when they arrive. If your mobility device has specific handling instructions — for example, if your wheelchair has a particular way it needs to be secured or if you use a scooter that folds differently — you can mention this to the driver, though most are trained on standard securement.
Cost and payment
Uber fares vary by city, time of day, and distance traveled. Because Uber vehicles are larger and drivers have completed additional training, fares are typically 1.5 to 2 times higher than a comparable UberX ride in the same area. You will see the estimated fare before you confirm your request, so you know the cost upfront.
Payment works the same way as regular Uber rides. The fare is charged to the payment method you have linked to your Uber account — credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash. You can also use Uber's upfront pricing feature in some cities, which locks in the fare before the driver arrives.
Some riders use Uber through a paratransit or medical transportation benefit that covers the cost. If you receive Medicaid or have a transportation benefit through your employer or insurance, check whether they cover Uber rides. You may need to use a specific code or request type to have the ride covered.
What to do if Uber is not available in your area
If Uber is not available where you live, you have other options for accessible transportation. Paratransit services, run by local transit agencies, provide door-to-door service for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. You must register with your local paratransit program, which involves providing proof of disability and your address. Once approved, you can book rides by phone or app.
Medical transportation services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) programs cover rides to medical appointments for Medicaid recipients and some insurance plans. You typically need a prescription or referral from a doctor to use these services.
Volunteer driver programs, run by nonprofits and senior centers, offer free or low-cost rides in some communities. Local 211 services can tell you which programs operate in your area and how to register.
Accessible taxi services and private car services that specialize in wheelchair-accessible vehicles are also available in many cities, though they usually cost more than paratransit and require advance booking.
Common issues and how to handle them
If you request an Uber and the driver cancels after arriving, or if the vehicle does not have a working lift or ramp, report it through the app immediately. Open the trip details, tap "Report an Issue," and describe what happened. Uber support will review your report and may refund the cancellation fee or offer a credit.
If a driver is not trained on wheelchair securement or seems unsure how to help you, you can cancel the ride without penalty and request another Uber vehicle. You can also contact Uber support through the app to report a driver who does not meet the training standard.
If you have a service animal, the driver must allow it in the vehicle. If a driver refuses, cancel the ride and report it to Uber support with details of what happened. Uber's policy requires drivers to accept service animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell Uber I use a wheelchair when I book?
No. When you select "Uber" as your vehicle type, the app knows you need an accessible vehicle. You do not need to add a note or message to the driver. However, if you have specific needs — for example, if your wheelchair is oversized or if you use a scooter — you can add a note in the app to let the driver know before they arrive.
Can I bring a companion or caregiver with me in an Uber ride?
Yes. Uber vehicles have extra space, and most can accommodate one or two additional passengers along with your wheelchair. Let the driver know when they arrive if you have someone traveling with you, so they can plan the loading accordingly.
What if my wheelchair does not fit in the vehicle?
This is rare, but if your wheelchair is oversized or has a non-standard configuration, contact Uber support before you book. Describe your chair's dimensions and weight, and ask whether an Uber vehicle can accommodate it. Uber may be able to match you with a specific vehicle or let you know if Uber is not the right option for your needs.
How far in advance do I need to book an Uber ride?
You can book an Uber ride as soon as you open the app, just like a regular Uber. You can also schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance through the app. Scheduled Uber rides work the same way as on-demand rides — you see the estimated fare upfront and a driver is assigned when the scheduled time arrives.
What happens if the driver is late or does not show up?
If a driver does not arrive within the wait time shown in the app, you can cancel the ride. Uber will refund any cancellation fee if the driver was late. If you were charged a cancellation fee and believe it was unfair, contact Uber support through the app with details of the time and location.