Uber has a wheelchair-accessible vehicle option called Uber WAV, available in some cities, that you can request through the same app you use for regular Uber rides.

Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) is a separate ride type within the Uber app. When you open the app to request a ride, you'll see it listed alongside UberX and other options — but only if the service operates in your area. The vehicle arrives with a wheelchair ramp or lift already deployed, and the driver is trained to information passengers who use wheelchairs or have mobility devices.

Not every city has Uber WAV. The service is available in select metropolitan areas, and availability can change. You can check whether it's offered where you are by opening the Uber app, entering your pickup location, and looking at the ride type options that appear. If Uber WAV doesn't show up, it's not currently running in that location.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber WAV is requested the same way as any other Uber ride — through the app — and only appears as an option in cities where the service operates.
  • The vehicle includes a wheelchair ramp or lift, and drivers receive training to help passengers with mobility devices board and exit safely.
  • Pricing for Uber WAV is typically higher than standard Uber rides because the vehicles cost more to operate and maintain.
  • If Uber WAV is not available in your area, you can contact Uber support through the app to ask about plans to bring the service to your city.

How to Request Uber WAV Through the App

Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and destination addresses as you normally would. Scroll through the ride type options at the bottom of the screen. If Uber WAV is available in your location, it will appear in that list. Tap on it to select it, then request the ride.

The app will show you the estimated fare for Uber WAV, which is higher than a standard UberX ride. You'll also see the driver's name, vehicle details, and estimated arrival time once a driver accepts your request. Drivers are notified that they're picking up a passenger who may need wheelchair accessibility, so they know to have the ramp or lift ready.

If you have specific needs — for example, if you use a motorized wheelchair or need extra time to board — you can add a note in the app's message section to communicate with your driver before they arrive. This gives the driver time to prepare and understand what information you may need.

What to Expect When the Vehicle Arrives

Uber WAV vehicles are full-size vans or SUVs equipped with either a hydraulic wheelchair lift or a ramp. The ramp or lift is deployed and ready when the driver arrives. The interior has space for a wheelchair to fit securely, and there are grab handles and tie-down systems to keep you stable during the ride.

The driver will greet you and confirm how you'd like to board — whether you prefer to use the ramp, the lift, or whether you need information. Drivers are trained to help, but you're in control of how much help you want. Once you're settled, the driver secures your wheelchair or mobility device and proceeds to your destination.

The ride itself works like any other Uber trip. You can track your route on the app, and you'll be charged the fare shown before you requested the ride. Tipping is optional and can be added through the app during or after the ride.

Pricing and Surge Pricing for Uber WAV

Uber WAV costs more than a standard UberX ride in the same location. The exact price difference varies by city and depends on distance and time of day. When you select Uber WAV in the app, you'll see the estimated fare before you confirm the request, so you know the cost upfront.

Surge pricing — when fares increase because demand is high — applies to Uber WAV the same way it does to other ride types. During busy times, the price you see in the app may be higher than the base rate. The app always shows you the current estimated fare before you request, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Cities Where Uber WAV Is Currently Available

Uber WAV operates in major cities across the United States, Canada, and some other countries, but the list of cities changes over time. As of now, the service is available in cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., Toronto, and others, but this is not a complete list and availability shifts.

The best way to find out whether Uber WAV serves your area is to open the Uber app and check the ride type options for your location. If it's not available now, you can contact Uber support through the app to ask whether the service is planned for your city in the future.

What to Do If Uber WAV Isn't Available in Your Area

If Uber WAV doesn't appear as an option in your city, you have a few alternatives. You can request a standard Uber ride and add a note in the app explaining that you use a wheelchair or have a mobility device, though this doesn't may provide the vehicle will be accessible. Some drivers may still be able to help, but there's no assurance the car will have a ramp or lift.

You can also contact Uber support through the app to report that you need accessible transportation and ask about the timeline for Uber WAV in your area. Uber uses this feedback to decide where to expand the service. In the meantime, other services like Lyft (which offers Lyft information in some cities) or local paratransit programs may have accessible options available to you.

Accessibility Features Beyond the Vehicle

Beyond the physical ramp or lift, Uber WAV drivers are trained to communicate clearly and to respect your independence. The app itself has accessibility features: you can use voice commands to request a ride if you have difficulty using the touchscreen, and the app is compatible with screen readers for people who are blind or have low vision.

If you have a service animal, you can bring it with you on an Uber WAV ride. Let the driver know when they arrive so they can make sure there's enough space. If you need to cancel a ride after requesting it, you can do so through the app without penalty if you cancel before the driver has traveled too far to reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request Uber WAV in advance, or only for when ready rides?

You can schedule an Uber WAV ride up to 30 days in advance through the app. Tap the clock icon when requesting your ride, select your preferred date and time, and choose Uber WAV from the ride type options. The estimated fare will be based on typical demand for that time and location.

What if the Uber WAV driver cancels after I've requested the ride?

If a driver cancels, you won't be charged a cancellation fee. The app will show you the cancellation and you can request another Uber WAV ride. If Uber WAV rides are frequently cancelled in your area, it may mean drivers are unavailable at that time — try requesting again in a few minutes or at a different time of day.

Do I need to tell Uber in advance that I use a wheelchair?

No. When you select Uber WAV from the ride type menu, the driver is automatically notified that the ride requires an accessible vehicle. You don't need to set up a profile or register your accessibility needs. You can add details in the message section of the app if you want to communicate specific needs to your driver.

Can I bring a companion or caregiver with me on Uber WAV?

Yes. Uber WAV vehicles have space for you, your wheelchair or mobility device, and additional passengers. The number of companions depends on the vehicle size and how much space your mobility device takes up. When you request the ride, you can add passengers through the app.

What happens if I arrive at my destination and need help exiting the vehicle?

The driver will help you exit using the same ramp or lift you used to board. Let the driver know what you need, and they'll lower the ramp or lift and information as necessary. Take your time — there's no rush, and the driver is trained to help you safely exit the vehicle.