Rideshare Apps: Pros and Cons for People With Disabilities

Takeaways

• Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer a certain level of convenience for individuals with disabilities.
• However, challenges include a lack of accessible vehicles in some areas, driver discrimination, inconsistent training and awareness, and apps that may fail to meet the needs of some riders.
• Individuals with disabilities have legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the right to be accommodated by rideshare drivers and the requirement for wheelchair accessibility.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people travel, offering convenience, affordability, and accessibility that traditional taxis often lack. For individuals with disabilities, these services can be both a valuable resource and a source of frustration.

Many rideshare app users with various impairments have reported discrimination, including having their rides canceled. Yet Uber and Lyft are among the services that maintain they have been seeking to make their services more accessible to riders with disabilities.

For example, Uber states that it offers guidance for its drivers on how to serve passengers with disabilities. In 2024, the app also began allowing riders the option to self-identify if they have visual or hearing impairments. Most recently, the service announced that rideshare users with service animals can notify their driver by adding this detail to their profile.

Lyft also has been rolling out resources for more accessible rides. In some areas, this includes wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) rides for users who rely on a motorized scooter or a wheelchair that cannot be folded into the trunk of a car and Lyft Assisted rides for individuals who wish to request a driver’s assistance getting to and from the vehicle.

Understanding the pros and cons as well as your rights when using rideshare apps can help pave the way for a smoother experience.

Benefits of Rideshare Services for Individuals With Disabilities

By greatly increasing the number of vehicles available to ferry people from place to place, rideshare services have made it much easier for people without their own automobiles to get around.

Increased Mobility and Independence

For many individuals with disabilities, services like Uber and Lyft provide a level of independence not always available through public transportation or traditional taxi services. The ability to schedule a ride from a smartphone app can be particularly useful for those with mobility challenges who may struggle with walking to bus stops or navigating fixed-route transit systems.

Availability in Underserved Areas

Rideshare services operate in many areas where accessible taxis and public transportation are limited or nonexistent. This is especially beneficial for individuals living in suburban or rural locations, where transportation options are often scarce.

Cost-Effective Alternative

In some cases, using Uber or Lyft may be more affordable than other transportation options, particularly for short-distance trips. Some state and local governments even partner with rideshare companies to provide subsidized rides for people with disabilities.

Challenges Individuals With Disabilities Face When Using Rideshare Apps

Though rideshare services have given individuals with disabilities more options for short-distance travel, they still face some challenges.

Lack of Accessible Vehicles

One of the biggest challenges for individuals with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs, is the limited availability of WAV rides. Though Uber and Lyft have introduced specialized services, such as Uber WAV, in certain cities, coverage remains inconsistent and wait times for an accessible vehicle can be significantly longer than for standard rides.

Driver Discrimination and Denial of Service

Some riders with disabilities report being denied service, particularly those who travel with service animals. Despite legal protections, some drivers refuse to transport service animals or people with visible disabilities, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

Inconsistent Training and Awareness

Many drivers lack proper training in how to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This can result in improper vehicle access, unsafe transportation, or misunderstandings about service animal policies.

App Accessibility Issues

Both Uber and Lyft have made some progress in making their apps more accessible. However, individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities may still have problems using the platforms. The apps are also not always easy for screen reader users to operate.

Know Your Rights: Legal Protections for Riders With Disabilities

Knowing your rights can help you better navigate the rideshare ecosystem, including potential instances of discrimination.

Americans with Disabilities Act Protections

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public transportation services. Though Uber and Lyft classify themselves as tech companies, not transportation providers, they still have to provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

Service Animals Must Be Permitted

Uber and Lyft drivers are legally required to accept passengers with service animals. If a driver refuses a ride for a customer who relies on a service animal, the rider can report the incident to the rideshare company, which may suspend the driver or remove them from the platform.

Wheelchair Accessibility and WAV Programs

Both Uber and Lyft offer WAV programs in some cities, but availability remains limited. If a rider cannot find an accessible vehicle, they may be entitled to alternative transportation solutions. Some local governments and disability rights organizations advocate for better rideshare accessibility and may provide additional resources.

Filing Complaints and Seeking Assistance

If a rider experiences discrimination or accessibility issues, they can file a complaint with Uber or Lyft directly through the app. Additionally, they can report incidents to the U.S. Department of Justice, state-level human rights commissions, or disability advocacy organizations.

Advocating for Better Rideshare Accessibility

Though rideshare services have improved mobility for many individuals with disabilities, significant accessibility gaps remain. Advocacy efforts continue to push for:

• Expanded WAV services in all cities
• Mandatory disability awareness training for drivers
• Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination policies
• More government partnerships to subsidize accessible rides

Learn More About Special Needs

Rideshare services have the potential to greatly enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing flexible, on-demand transportation. By understanding your rights and advocating for improved services, you can help ensure that rideshare platforms become truly inclusive for all.

If you have questions about your situation or think you have been treated unfairly because of your disability or special needs, talk to a special needs planning attorney near you.

For additional reading about rights for travelers with disabilities, check out the following articles:

• Disability Rights and Service Animals
• Bill of Rights for Airline Passengers With Disabilities
• A Warning for Medicaid Recipients Traveling Out of State