Uber's Simplified App for Seniors Is Launching Nationwide

One month after debuting a pilot version of its app for older people, Uber is now launching the feature nationwide, the company said Wednesday. The more streamlined design aims to make ride-hailing simpler by displaying larger text and fewer steps, and by surfacing frequent destinations like home or the doctor's office. 

Senior accounts are part of Uber's family profile feature. You can invite an older adult to join and select the Senior option. After they accept the invite, their account will automatically adopt that simpler interface.

Alternatively, older adults can go to the Account section of the Uber app and turn on Simple mode. This will serve up that same streamlined interface, even if they're not connected to a family profile. 

Uber announced senior accounts in May -- just as Lyft was gearing up to launch a similar capability -- and rolled out the feature as a test in Phoenix and Orlando. Following the US launch, senior accounts are slated to become available globally, too.

Uber's and Lyft's senior-centered features are an attempt to cater to an aging population. By 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be age 60 or older, according to the World Health Organization. For many people who are older or who have a disability that prevents them from driving, ride-hailing can be a critical means of getting around. But technology can be intimidating and overwhelming for many senior citizens, so a simpler interface can help to lower that barrier to entry.   

To invite someone to your Uber family profile, go to Account in the bottom right corner > Family > Invite family. Then tap Senior and Continue > Choose a contact and Send invite after making your selection.

To turn Simple mode on or off, go to Account > Settings > Accessibility > Simple mode, and hit the toggle.

Both Uber and Lyft also give riders the option to hail wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Self-driving company May Mobility, which has partnered with both Uber and Lyft, similarly offers wheelchair-accessible rides. 

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