Uber and Lyft for Older Adults: What You Need to Know

How it works:

1. A family member sends an invite through their family profile.
2. A text message with a link to download the app will be sent to set up an account, if one hasn’t already been made.
3. Once the setup is complete, rides can be requested individually or by a family member.

 

Older adults may also enable “Simple Mode,” a streamlined version of the app that doesn’t require connecting to a family member. Follow these steps to turn it on:

1. Tap “Account” at the bottom right.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Tap “Accessibility.”
4. Choose “Simple mode” and switch it on or off.

Features include:

• Easier to Use: The app has been redesigned with bigger text, larger buttons, and a simpler layout.
• Saved Places: You can save favorite spots—like your home, doctor’s office, or grocery store—so you don’t have to type them in every time.
• Flexible Ways to Pay: You can use your own card, a family member’s payment method, or even a Medicare Flex card if you’re eligible.
• Real-Time Trip Updates: Your loved ones can see your trip progress and get alerts if any delays occur.
• Extra Help When Needed: Family members can book rides for you, contact the driver, or update your saved destinations right from their phone.
• Using a Health Benefit Card: If you have a senior account, you can add your Medicare Advantage health benefit card in the Wallet section of the app. These cards may cover rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, community events, or even visits with friends and family.
• Learn more about the program and sign up here.

Uber without a smartphone:

Uber customers can dial 833-USE-UBER (873-8237) to request a ride in English or Spanish. The service is available 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET nationwide.

Once a trip request has been accepted, the rider receives a text message with the driver’s name, picture, license plate number and estimated arrival time. A follow-up text message is sent once the driver arrives at the pickup location. A smartphone is not required as long as the device can receive text messages.

If a customer does not have an Uber account, an agent will create one for them. Payment is provided over the phone via credit card.

Note: Wheelchair-accessible rides may only be requested in New York City and Chicago through 833-USE-UBER. However, the regular app can provide rides to passengers in wheelchairs, based on availability.

What services does Lyft offer older adults?

In May 2025, Lyft introduced Lyft Silver, a simplified version of its app for older adults. It was created with input from aging experts and community organizations to improve comfort and usability.

It includes:

• Simpler app design: The app layout is less cluttered and has clearer options, making it easier to book a ride.
• Live phone support: You can call and talk to a real person for help any day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
• Easier-to-enter cars: The system will try to match you with vehicles that are more accessible—better for people who might have trouble getting in and out of smaller cars.
• Trip sharing: You can let a friend or family member see where you’re going and when you arrive.

Lyft Silver is free to activate, and ride prices are the same as regular Lyft rides. The feature is currently open to the first 25,000 people who sign up.

To activate Lyft Silver:

• Open the Lyft app.
• Tap “You” at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap “Lyft Silver” to turn it on or off anytime

If helping someone else set it up, you can send them an invite through the app. They’ll get a text message with instructions.

Lyft without a smartphone

Although Lyft doesn’t offer phone-in ride requests, it partnered with Best Buy Health to offer Lively users, a cellphone and medical alert service for older adults, the ability to book a ride through a Jitterbug phone. It’s a good option for older adults who prefer speaking to a person and don’t use a smartphone. Using a Jitterbug phone, users can dial “0” to speak with a Lively care agent who can book a Lyft ride for them.

Costs to know about:

• There’s a 99-cent fee per call, but only if you go through with booking a ride. You won’t be charged if you decide not to book after getting a fare estimate.
• Conciere surcharges based on the ride cost:
  • $3 for rides under $15
  • $4 for rides under $20
  • $5 for rides under $25
  • $6 for rides under $30
  • $7 for rides over $30
• Ride costs will be added to the phone bill.

Lyft also provides free or discounted rides through 211, a free referral and information line that connects older adults and others to local health and human services resources through a partnership with United Way.

Looking for cheaper rides?

Thanks to provisions in the Older Americans Act, some cities offer ride vouchers for adults 55 and older—covering up to $10 off each one-way trip.

Meanwhile, some local agencies partner directly with Uber or Lyft, while others run their own transportation programs. For example, in Charleston, South Carolina, qualifying residents can use Lyft or Uber ride-hailing services to get rides for as little as $5 each way. Other communities, such as Lakewood, Colorado, will help make ride arrangements for people 60 and older and those of any age with disabilities using city-operated vans. Rides may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.

How to find local transportation programs

“Go to a local senior center or benefits enrollment center [places that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries enroll in aid programs they may be missing] and find out what transportation benefits are available to you,” says Jessica Johnson, a senior director at the National Council on Aging. You can also go to the council’s BenefitsCheckUp for information on transportation assistance by ZIP code.

“Many times, these don’t require much technology,” she says. “Oftentimes, it’s just really a phone call to get that service.”

This story, originally published May 17, 2023, was most recently updated with information about discounted rides.