Uber launches senior accounts to help elderly ride-share users
- Uber introduced senior accounts in the UK to help elderly users navigate the app easily.
- The feature allows family members to remotely manage rides and track journeys for older relatives.
- This initiative is part of Uber's ongoing commitment to making technology more accessible to all age groups.
In July 2025, Uber initiated a significant rollout of a new feature dubbed 'senior accounts' in the UK, aimed specifically at assisting elderly users in navigating the ride-hailing app more effectively. This initiative emerged from recognized challenges faced by older adults when using technology, particularly with apps that can seem overwhelming due to complex interfaces. To address these concerns, the senior accounts are designed with larger text, simplified screens, and buttons that are easier to tap, minimizing the steps required to book a ride. Furthermore, this launch follows the successful pilot of the feature in the US and Latin America, showcasing Uber's commitment to inclusivity in technology for senior citizens. Families and caregivers can use the existing 'family profiles' functionality to invite elderly members to create these accounts, enabling relatives to remotely manage ride bookings for the older adults in their lives. Important features include live tracking of trips, direct contact with drivers, and access to safety reporting services, ensuring a comprehensive safety net during travels. Additionally, users can independently book rides if they prefer not to connect with a family member, providing autonomy while still having access to support. The development of this feature involved collaboration with older users and accessibility advocates, illustrating Uber's proactive approach to fostering a user-centric application that caters to the needs of its diverse user base. The initiative aligns with the company's previous efforts, such as implementing 'teen accounts', which allow supervision of rides for adolescents matched with experienced drivers. According to Andrew Brem, the general manager of Uber UK, the tools and features within the senior accounts prioritize the simplicity, safety, and peace of mind that are essential for older adults and their families, affirming Uber's role in facilitating independence and connectivity for senior users while reassuring their loved ones of the safety and assistance available during their rides.