Wheelchair Accessible Rideshare

A Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Rideshare Services


Getting around can be harder for people with disabilities, especially those who rely on rideshares for transportation. This guide provides information for rideshare users with disabilities, including which cities offer Uber WAV, Uber Assist, or Lyft Wheelchair, as well as alternative accessible transportation options.

Is There Uber for Wheelchair Users?

If you have a wheelchair, you might be able to use Uber and Lyft, depending on your needs and the type of wheelchair you have. Manual wheelchairs can fit in various vehicles if folded or disassembled, and most Uber XL vehicles fit a manual wheelchair without folding or disassembly. For power wheelchair users or those who prefer to stay in a wheelchair during transport, you’ll need to request an Uber WAV.

Does Uber or Lyft Have Wheelchair Accessible Vans?

Both Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) with ramps and securement systems for passengers with disabilities. Currently, Uber and Lyft WAVs are only available in some cities around the world.

Where Is Uber WAV available?

Uber WAV is currently available in the following U.S. cities:

  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New York, New York
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • San Fransisco, California
  • Washington, D.C.

Currently, you’ll find Uber WAV in the following non-U.S. cities:

  • Bangalore, India
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • London, England

How to Request an Accessible Uber Ride

Follow these steps to request an Uber WAV:

  1. Open the Uber app on your phone.
  2. Enter your final destination in the "Where to?" field. 
  3. Make sure your pickup location is accurate.
  4. If Uber WAV is available in your area select the WAV option.
  5. Once confirmed, you will see vehicle and driver details, as well as the driver’s arrival time.

Alternatives When Accessible Rideshare Services are Unavailable

If Uber WAV isn't available in your area, you have a couple of options: request a third-party accessible transportation service or consider Uber Assist.

Uber Assist for Wheelchairs

Uber Assist drivers are certified by a third party and trained to help passengers with disabilities. They can assist with transferring in and out of the vehicle and handling mobility aids. However, like Uber WAV, Uber Assist isn't available in all cities.

Uber XL for Wheelchairs

In general, any Uber driver should assist with storing mobility aids if their vehicle has enough space. If you're traveling with a manual wheelchair and neither Uber WAV nor Uber Assist is available, consider requesting an Uber XL. This option often has enough space to fit a manual wheelchair without needing to fold or disassemble it, but you may still need to do so depending on the specific vehicle. Uber XL may be suitable if you don't need a ramp to get in and out of the vehicle.

Does Lyft Provide Wheelchair Transportation?

Like Uber, Lyft provides wheelchair accessible transportation. You’ll largely request a wheelchair accessible Lyft in the same way you would an Uber, however Lyft accessible vehicles are simply referred to as “wheelchair”

How to Request a Lyft Wheelchair Ride

In the Lyft app, you’ll need to turn on a setting to see wheelchair accessible rides. To see Lyft’s wheelchair accessible vehicles, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Lyft app on your phone.
  2. In the menu, tap ‘Settings’.
  3. Toggle ‘wheelchair access’ on.
  4. Enter your final destination in the "Where are you going" field. 
  5. Make sure your pickup location is accurate.
  6. Select ‘Wheelchair’ if available, when requesting your ride, to be paired with a WAV driver.

Where Is Lyft Wheelchair Available?

Like Uber, Lyft wheelchair accessible vehicles are not available in every city, so even if you have ‘wheelchair access’ turned on, you may not see wheelchair accessible options. Currently, Lyft Wheelchair is available in the following cities:

  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Dallas, Texas
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New York, New York
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Portland, Oregon
  • San Francisco, California
  • Toronto, Ontario

Tips for an Accessible Rideshare Experience

Requesting an accessible rideshare can take more planning. Follow these tips to ensure an accessible trip:

  1. Adjust Your Pickup Location: Double-check your pickup location in rideshare apps to see if it is accurate and convenient for you.
  2. Communicate With Your Driver: Use the app to inform your driver of any specific pickup needs, like being near a sidewalk ramp. If you wish, you can let the driver know you have a disability. This can prepare the driver to look for you on arrival and assist as needed.
  3. Schedule Your Ride in Advance: Schedule rides ahead of time, especially for wheelchair accessible vehicles, to avoid long wait times.
  4. Waive the Wait Time Fee: Drivers usually wait only a few minutes before leaving a passenger’s pickup location. Late fees may apply, so utilize app notifications to ensure you’re ready upon arrival. Wait time fees can be waived if the reason for the delay relates to a passenger’s disability.
  5. Addressing Service Denials: If a driver denies you service due to a disability, report the incident through the app or contact customer service. Any issues should be resolved, with refunds issued when necessary.

Whether you use public transportation, rideshare services, or you're ready to drive your own wheelchair accessible vehicle, your local BraunAbility dealer is here to help. Contact your local mobility dealer today to learn about wheelchair accessible vehicles and transportation options for people with disabilities.


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