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Best Rideshare Services for Seniors
Safe, convenient, and accessible transportation designed to support seniors’ mobility and independence
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Traveling and getting around town can be a hassle at any age, but many people find they are less willing to navigate traffic as they get older. For some, the places we need to go are just a short car ride away. If you’re traveling long distances, that short car ride is preceded by a cross-country flight. Whether you’re apprehensive about driving due to health concerns or simply don’t want to make the drive yourself, a rideshare company can be a convenient alternative.
GoGoGrandparent is a concierge service for older adults. One of the main offerings is a meal delivery service that helps older adults and people with disabilities order food and maintain a healthy diet through area restaurants without the need to cook. By partnering with services like DoorDash, it allows users to request deliveries via a simple phone call (no smartphone or app needed) making it easier for seniors to access meals.
- Great for hassle-free transportation and deliveries
- No app or smartphone required
- Safety features and caregiver monitoring available
About Rideshare Services
According to a Pew Research Study, only eight percent of adults ages 50-64 and four percent of adults ages 65 andor older have used a rideshare service or transportation program like Uber or Lyft. With user-friendly apps, widespread availability, competitive pricing, and even senior-focused options, rideshare companies can help older adults stay mobile and independent.
With that, rideshare and paratransit services must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for riders with limited mobility, and many seniors rely on Medicaid or Medicare Advantage to help cover the cost of non-emergency medical transportation.
If you prefer not to use a smartphone app or require additional assistance with public transportation, there are rideshare services designed specifically with older adults in mind.
Popular Rideshare Services Reviews
GoGoGrandparent Review
Great for hassle-free transportation and deliveries
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his service offered by GoGo, allows users to call a single phone number to request an Uber or Lyft ride, eliminating the need to create an account and use a smartphone app. Once you call the number you can:
- Press 1 to request a car to your home
- Press 2 to request a car to pick you up where your last drop off was
- Press 3, 4, or 5 to schedule a custom pickup location
- Press 6 to schedule a ride with an operator
Users can add custom locations book rides that are recurring for medical appointments or future travel dates, and opt to send real-time text message updates to caregivers or family members. GoGoGrandparent partners with rideshare companies to provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), helping seniors get to appointments safely without needing to drive themselves.
GoGoGrandparent chargers a per-minute service fee in addition to the standard Uber or Lyft fare, with pricing subject to change.
Estimated airport cost with GoGoGrandparent: $20–$40*, depending on ride length and service fees
Uber Review
Great for on-demand rides and everyday transportation
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Uber pricing varies by location, demand, and ride type, but fares typically include a base rate plus per-mile and per-minute charges that fluctuate throughout the day. If your destination is within 15-20 miles of your home or the airport, the fare is often relatively affordable compared to traditional taxis.
Uber is widely available across most U.S. cities and offer multiple ride options, including luxury vehicles and larger cars for groups of four or more passengers. Drivers undergo background checks and ongoing safety screenings, though requirements may vary by state and city.
The mobile app is generally user-friendly and allow riders to sign up using a phone number and link a payment method such as a credit card or digital wallet. Payment is processed automatically after the ride, and the app allows riders to split fares, add tips, and receive digital receipts.
Healthcare providers also use Uber Health to arrange safe, reliable rides for patients who need transportation to medical appointments.
Estimated airport cost with Uber: $15–$25*, depending on location and demand
Lyft Review
Great for affordable rides with flexible options
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Lyft pricing is similar to Uber’s and varies by city, demand, and ride type, with per-mile and per-minute charges that fluctuate throughout the day.
Lyft is similar to Uber in that it is avaiable across multiple U.S. cities. They also have their drivers undergo similar background checks to Uber.
Lyft’s mobile app allows for contactless payment methods, along with splitting fares, tip drivers, and get a digital receipt from the ride.
Estimated airport cost with Lyft: $15–$25*, depending on location and demand
uberASSIST Review
Great for riders who need extra assistance and accessible support
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uberASSIST was designed to support riders who need additional assistance, though availability has become limited in many markets. When available, uberASSIST vehicles can typically accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, and collapsible mobility devices. They don’t, however, have ramps or lifts.
Drivers receive basic training on assisting riders with mobility challenges, though services such as lifting or medical assistance are not guaranteed. For example, they can help transfer you to and from your wheelchair. Pricing is generally similar to standard Uber rides, though fees and availability may vary by location.
Estimated airport cost with uberASSIST: $20–$50*, depending on location and demand
Lift Hero Review
Great for door-to-door assistance and senior-friendly transportation
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Lift Hero is a senior-focused transportation service available for in select areas, including parts of California.
Clients can schedule a ride through Lift Hero’s website, either in advance or on the spot, and may have the option to request a preferred driver when available.
Lift Hero emphasizes specialized drivers training, including basic safety and customer service, and many drivers have healthcare-related backgrounds. Drivers are typically required to have first aid and CPR certifications to provide additional peace of mind for riders, loved ones, and family members. Lift Hero is a paratransit provider of door-to-door service, meaning drivers help riders to and from the vehicle and can assist with bags from the grocery store; drivers can also wait during doctor’s appointments if requested.
Lift Hero’s pricing is typically hourly, with a minimum charge and additional time billed if the driver waits during medical or home care appointments; exact rates vary by region and service level.
Estimated airport cost with Lift Hero: $35 per hour*, depending on distance and service time
* based on a distance of 15-20 miles
Benefits of Using a Rideshare Service
As people age, changes in mobility, vision, and hearing can make driving more difficult and may eventually lead to giving up driving altogether. However, using a rideshare service can help maintain independence and freedom, even if you no longer drive.
In fact, budgeting for rideshare services instead of owning a car may be more convenient and cost-effective as you get older. Beyond travel, rideshares and ride-hailing apps eliminate the stress of parking and traffic for activities like dining out, attending concerts, or going to appointments from the senior centers.
According to a report from the insurance comparison site QuoteWizard, relying on rideshare services is becoming increasingly competitive with the costs of car ownership. The report estimates that, by 2027, relying entirely on rideshares could be more affordable than maintaining a personal vehicle. Although owning a car may still be less expenseive in some cases, the annual cost of rideshare use is steadily approaching that of car ownership.
| Average Annual Cost of a Car* | Average Annual Cost of a Rideshare Service** |
|---|---|
| Car Payment: ~$1,130 per year (5-year loan with 15% down) | Daily Rideshare Trip in Seattle: ~$25.30 |
| Cost of Gas: ~$2,235 per year (13¢ per mile average in the U.S.) | Daily Rideshare Trip in Denver: ~$24.90 |
| Cost of Auto Insurance: ~$1,694 per year (full-coverage policy) | |
| Cost of Maintenance/Repair: ~$1,656 per year (11.04¢ per mile per 15,000 miles) | |
| Cost of Depreciation: ~$4,334 per year | |
| Registration, License, & Taxes: ~$813 per year | |
| Total = ~$11,862 | Total (Seattle) = ~$9,235 Total (Denver) = ~$9,080 |
* Averages based on 15,000 miles driven per year in a midsize SUV (AAA and Insure.com)
** Source: QuoteWizard report
Rideshare costs could decrease further in the future if companies successfully and safely implement driverless vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rideshare Services
Rideshares are on-demand transportation services that let users use a smartphone app to book a ride. Businesses like Uber and Lyft provide a practical alternative for driving, public transportation, or taxis by matching passengers with local drivers. Standard car rides, wheelchair-accessible or luxurious options, and even non-emergency medical transportation through partnerships with healthcare providers are all examples of rideshares.
For seniors, the best rideshare app depends on comfort with technology and mobility needs. Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use for most everyday trips, but they require a smartphone and app setup. For those who prefer phone‑based booking or extra assistance, GoGoGrandparent is often a better choice, as it lets users schedule Uber or Lyft rides by phone without needing the apps. For riders needing more personalized care, like help getting to the door or assistance with bags, specialized services like Lift Hero (in select areas) can be ideal. The “best” option is one that matches a senior’s tech comfort, location, and level of support needed.
uberASSIST is typically referred to as the senior version of Uber. This service is intended for riders who require additional help, such as those who use walkers, folding wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. The cars are outfitted to offer a more accessible and comfortable experience than a typical Uber ride, and drivers are trained to assist passengers in getting in and out of the vehicle safely.
GoGoGrandparent can be safe for seniors who need help booking rides without using a smartphone, as it works with licensed Uber and Lyft drivers and offers 24/7 phone support and real‑time ride monitoring to help seniors get to their destinations. GoGo operators can assist with scheduling, watch for cancellations, and update families on trips, which adds a layer of support beyond a standard app‑based service.
However, reliability and customer experiences vary (some users report issues with pricing, membership handling, and ride availability) so it’s important to compare costs and read service terms carefully before signing up.
Yes, most rideshare services offer convenient pick‑up times and flexible locations. Apps like Uber, Lyft, and GoGoGrandparent let you request a ride quickly from almost anywhere with just a few taps or a phone call, and drivers typically arrive within minutes. For scheduled trips (such as airport rides or appointments), many services let you book in advance so you can choose the time and location that works best for you.
The top rideshare options for seniors who need extra assistance include services that go beyond standard app‑based rides. Uber’s UberASSIST offers drivers trained to help with mobility needs and folding wheelchairs, while GoGoGrandparent lets seniors book Uber or Lyft rides by phone without using a smartphone. In select areas, services like Lift Hero provide specially trained drivers who offer door‑to‑door support and assistance with bags or groceries. These options combine convenient ride‑hailing with extra help for seniors who need it most.
Bottom Line: Rideshare Services Are Convenient and Easy to Use
If you are unable to drive or find yourself not wanting to deal with traffic and parking, you have transportation options. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, going on vacation, or running everyday errands, rideshare services can help you remain mobile and independent. Along with rideshare services, several nonprofit organizations provide local transportation programs for senior care and people with disabilities who cannot easily access traditional rideshare services.