The most common way to request Uber rides is through the Uber app. For older adults who are not as familiar navigating a smartphone, this articles shares 4 ways to request an Uber ride without a smartphone.
- Option 1: Call Uber for a Ride
- Option 2: Request a Ride through Uber’s Website
- Option 3: Use ‘Request a Ride for Someone Else’ Feature
- Option 4: Request an Uber Ride through GoGoGrandparent
Uber is an excellent ridesharing service for seniors who feel unsafe driving later in life because of a decline in strength, vision and focus. It is safer, cheaper and better than a traditional taxi in many ways.
Option 1: Call Uber for a Ride
The easiest way to get an Uber for seniors without smartphones is by calling Uber and requesting a ride. Uber introduced this new ride-hailing option in May 2023.
Here is how it works.
- Call Uber on the toll-free number 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) in the U.S. and talk to an agent in English or Spanish to request a ride or reserve a ride for future
- Once ride is confirmed, you receive a text message with ride details including driver’s name, license plate number and estimated arrival time
- You will receive another text message when your ride arrives at the pickup location
If you have an Uber account, tell that to agent and they will use an existing payment method on file to charge you for the ride. If you do not have an Uber account, you can pay using your debit/ credit card and the agent will create an Uber account for you.
Option 2: Request a Ride through Uber’s website
This is the second method of using Uber without a smartphone. You need access to the internet via a computer, tablet, or phone.
You will need to log in to your Uber account.
Follow these steps to request a ride online.
- Go to uber.com
- Login to your Uber account or create a new account from Sign up option
- Provide the ride details including pickup location, drop-off location and pickup date/time and click on see prices
- Select the type of ride. Check the price and confirm the ride.
Requesting an Uber ride online is as efficient as on the app. You need to provide minimal information to request the ride and will receive an email receipt after your ride.
You can also visit riders.uber.com to download the receipt.
Note: Allow your browser access to your location to center the sitemap on your current location.
Option 3: “Request a Ride for Someone Else” Feature
This is another option to request an Uber for seniors without smartphones. Uber app has a feature to request a ride for someone else.
You can ask a family member, friend, caretaker or anyone with an Uber app on their smartphone to request a ride for you.
Here is a step by step guide on how to request an Uber ride for someone else.
- Open Uber app on your phone and tap on Trip option
- Tap on the option For Me at the top of screen (in some countries you have the change rider option on the top center of the screen)
- Next, tap on the Add Rider option and start now on the next screen
- Uber will ask your permission to access contacts. Tap on ALLOW and then you can choose someone from your contacts list or tap on add a new rider symbol at the top right of screen to add a new rider
- After selecting the rider (from contacts or adding manually), it will show up in the list
- Next, provide the pick-up location and destination
- Finally, choose your Uber ride from the list. UberX is the most used option for daily rides.
The rider will get a text message from Uber with details of the ride and expected arrival time and another text when their ride has arrived at the pick-up point.
This option makes it easy to arrange a ride for grandma who doesn’t have a smartphone or when mom needs a ride from the airport.
I love this beautiful and emotional video from Uber that shows the power of the “Request a Ride for Someone Else” feature.
Option 4: Request an Uber Ride Using GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent is another way to get an uber for seniors without smartphone. GoGo enables seniors to request a ride with an operator, phone menu or online dashboard.
Method 1:
You can talk to an operator to schedule a ride or answer any question by calling (855) 464-6872 and pressing 0.
Method 2:
Call GoGo at 1 (855) 436-6872 and listen to the menu to press the option that is right for you.
- Press 1: Get picked up at home
- Press 2: Get picked up from where you were dropped off
- Press 6: Speak to the operator
Method 3:
You can also request a ride online from GoGoGrandparent dashboard.
Once the driver accepts the request, you will hear the car model, license plate and estimated time of arrival. You will get a call when the driver is near. To speak to your driver, call GoGo and press 3 anytime.
Let GoGo know about your vehicle preference to get a car that you like. You may need a vehicle with more trunk space to accommodate canes, wheelchairs, crunches or any ambulatory equipment.
Here is a short story by Letty Morales. She stopped driving in 2017 due to an accident and regularly uses Uber through GoGo ever since.
GoGoGrandparent services are available in 50 US states and Canada
These were 4 ways to get an Uber for seniors without smartphone.
I have covered both Uber and Lyft in details. Refer to more articles on the topic.
- Which is better for seniors Uber or Lyft?
- A beginner’s guide to Lyft for seniors
- 4 Ways to get Lyft for seniors without a smartphone
- 6 ways to save on your next Lyft ride