Uber Technologies, Inc. has announced the nationwide U.S. launch of senior accounts and Simple mode, groundbreaking features designed to make the Uber app more accessible and intuitive for older adults.
These innovations simplify ride requests for essential trips like doctor’s appointments, family visits, or daily errands, while offering optional support from loved ones. Senior accounts, available through Uber’s Family profile, provide a streamlined app experience with larger text and easy-to-follow directions, empowering older adults to navigate the platform effortlessly.
Family organizers can assist by requesting rides, managing payments, and receiving real-time trip updates—all from their own devices. For seniors who prefer independence, Simple mode offers the same simplified interface without requiring a Family Profile connection, ensuring full control with enhanced accessibility.
Ashu Manohar, Director of Product Management at Uber, emphasized the significance of these features, stating, “Senior accounts and Simple mode represent an important milestone in Uber’s ongoing commitment to accessible transportation.”
He added, “These features reflect our dedication to designing technology that meets people where they are and supports mobility at every stage of life.”
The development of these tools involved collaboration with aging advocates, accessibility experts, and older adults, ensuring they address real-world challenges.
Silvia Candamil Neirra, Vice President of the Global Initiative on Ageing and Longevity, praised the initiative, noting, “Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to independence as people age.”
She continued, “Solutions like Uber’s senior accounts help break down that barrier by offering a simple and flexible way for older adults to get where they need to go without always having to rely on others.”
Neirra concluded, “It’s about dignity, freedom, and staying connected to the people and places that matter most.”
How It Works
To use senior accounts, a loved one invites an older adult to join their Family profile within the Uber app. The older adult receives a text link to download the app and create an account if they don’t already have one. From there, they can request rides independently or with assistance from family members as needed.
The simplified booking process for senior accounts includes larger text and icons, with fewer buttons to reduce complexity. Frequently visited locations such as home, medical offices, or grocery stores—can be saved for quick and easy access.
Payment options are flexible, allowing users to pay with their own card, a family member’s payment method, or an eligible Medicare Flex card. Family members can monitor trips in real time and receive notifications about delays, ensuring peace of mind.
Family organizers can book rides, contact drivers, and manage saved destinations on behalf of the senior account holder. For those not connected to a Family profile, Simple mode provides the same accessibility benefits by enabling a simplified experience in the app’s Account section. This setting ensures older adults maintain full account control with larger text and a less complex design.
The rollout extends beyond the U.S., with senior accounts and Simple mode available in select cities across Taiwan, Hong Kong, India (Simple Mode only), Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Portugal, France, and South Africa. U.S. users will begin receiving email notifications starting June 4, 2025, informing them of the new features.
Notably, senior account holders and family organizers do not need to reside in the same location, broadening the feature’s accessibility. Uber’s commitment to inclusive design shines through these features, aligning with the company’s mission to foster mobility, independence, and connection for users at every stage of life.
As the population ages, demand for senior-friendly technology and accessible transportation solutions continues to rise. Uber’s senior accounts and Simple mode address this need by integrating user-centric design with cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard for mobility solutions. By prioritizing accessibility, Uber enhances the user experience for older adults and reinforces its leadership in inclusive innovation.
