Requesting a ride online can still be done even when your phone isn’t available or its battery is dead. In such situations, you can use a tablet, iPad, or personal computer (PC) instead. Simply open an internet browser on the device and visit the ride-hailing platform’s official website (uber.com) to book your ride. However, it's also important to note that uber.com can also be accessed using phones.
Uber and Bolt are among the few ride-hailing services that allow users to book a ride online without using the mobile app. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to order an Uber ride online directly from your browser. For Uber, this feature is available in all cities the company is operating, including Lagos, Abuja, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Nairobi, Mombasa, Accra, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Cairo, Alexandria, and Casablanca.
In these cities, users can carry out various activities on Uber’s website beyond just ordering a ride. The online platform can also be used to have items delivered right to your doorstep, similar to how Glovo, and Chowdeck offer their delivery services. It can also be used to schedule a ride for later, rent a car for your next trip, and order from local restaurants, similar to how FoodCourt operates its restaurant chains.
Not everyone wants to download an app or has enough storage space on their phone to install one. In such cases, using Uber online offers greater flexibility, especially when you’re on a shared or public device. It can also be helpful when requesting a ride for someone else remotely. The web version of Uber is particularly useful in emergencies or when your phone is unavailable, and it remains easy to use, straightforward, and user-friendly.
How to request an Uber ride online
Follow these steps highlighted below to successfully request an Uber ride online without using the app:
- On your web browser, type “uber.com/go” into the address bar and tap enter to load the page.
- On the page, you'll be required to login using your registered phone number. But if you haven't registered an account, you can also create one on the same page.
- The uber.com online platform will request permission to access your location. Grant it access or enter it manually. This is useful for setting up your pickup location.
- Once your pickup location is set on the web, then you can add your destination by entering the address where you want to be dropped off, and select ride option.
- Notably, Uber offers a variety of ride options to suit different needs, budgets, and group sizes. Popular ones are:
-
Economy Rides
- UberX: This is the standard, and most affordable ride option on the Uber service.
- Uber Lite: It's the lower-cost alternative available in some regions.
-
Premium Rides
- Uber Comfort: This is the ride option that comes with newer cars and extra legroom. It's usually delivered through highly rated drivers.
- Uber Black: It's similar to Comfort but has high-end vehicles with professional drivers.
- Uber SUV: It's the luxury rides that come with more space for groups.
-
Shared Rides
- Uber Pool: The option allows riders to share ride with other passengers going in the same direction, but availability varies in various cities.
-
Group and Larger Vehicle Options
- UberXL: Affordable rides for groups (up to 6 passengers). It's a very similar ride option to Uber Pool.
- UberXL: Affordable rides for groups (up to 6 passengers). It's a very similar ride option to Uber Pool.
-
Special Ride Options
- Uber Assist: This ride option is designed for riders who may need extra help, such as elderly passengers.
- Uber WAV: It's a wheelchair-accessible vehicles. It's part of the Uber Assit's idea.
- Other Services (Location-dependent)
- Uber Moto: It's a motorcycle ride-hailing option for fast and cheap trips in busy cities.
- Uber Auto: It's a three-wheeler rides. This ride option is common in some countries like India.
- Once you're done selecting your ride option, tap “Confirm” to complete the online booking. But also keep in mind that not all ride options are available in every city. The ride option you see will depends on your location and demand at the time.
On the other hand, if you're requesting Uber ride for someone online, all you need to do is to enter their pickup location and dropoff address when they're ready to leave. Then select “Order ride for someone else” and add the rider’s name and phone number to the platform. An Uber driver will be assigned to person to fill the ride booking. After your ride is complete, you’ll get an email receipt. You can also login at riders.uber.com to download a receipt for your ride.
