Updated: 07/01/2021
Uber and Lyft have been rideshare rivals for almost as long as ridesharing has been popular. Their continual attempts to one-up each other can occasionally prove beneficial for drivers. Most of the time, though, they appear about equal, for all intents and purposes.
So what is the difference between Uber and Lyft from the driver’s perspective? And, more importantly, which one is going to make you the most money?
The similarities
The apps run similarly (which is great if you decide to work for both rather than just one). You log in to either, wait for someone to request a ride, pick them off, drop them off, get paid, repeat. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can work on UberPool or Lyft Line, which charges customers less to pick multiple people up along a specified route. Either way, the concepts are roughly the same.
Most of the requirements are the same too—at least age 21, at least a year of driving experience (unless you drive for UberEATS—but more on that later). You also need a valid driver’s license (although Uber says you have to have an in-state license). Lastly, you need a clean driving record and no criminal background.
Vehicle requirements are similar as well—both require a four-door vehicle that can pass a safety inspection, with valid registration and insurance your name. Uber requires in-state registration and insurance. Uber accepts cars from 2000 or newer, while Lyft requires 2005. Drivers in certain cities may have additional requirements imposed by their city (not the companies).
Luckily, both companies also have rental services where drivers can rent a vehicle if their vehicle does not qualify. Check out Uber’s rental program and Lyft’s rental program.
Drivers for each company have similar rates, and both give riders 100 percent of their tips. However, Uber drivers (except in New York City) keep 80 percent of their earnings, while Lyft drivers keep 75 percent.
Lyft’s Unique Offerings
Lyft has had a tipping feature for a lot longer than Uber, who just introduced their earlier this year. This may mean that Lyft riders are more likely to actually remember to tip you.
Lyft also has “Amp,” a neon, Bluetooth device that replaced the mustache as its logo—and also proves pretty useful. The device has flashes a certain color that corresponds with your customer’s assigned color for their ride, making pick-ups much smoother. The LED light sits on your dash, syncs to your phone, and helps both the rider and the driver have a smoother experience. The Amp also flashes your passenger’s name when they enter your vehicle, making their ride unique from the very start.
The Amp’s charge lasts for about eight hours, and charges via a USB cable.
This device also makes it easier to connect and service passengers who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Uber’s Unique Offerings
Uber, for now, has a bigger market than Lyft. While Lyft has been expanding, it is still quite a ways behind Uber in terms of the number of cities it covers. Thus, not only is Uber often the best option but it’s also the only option for would-be rideshare drivers.
Uber also has the bonus of food delivery. Drivers as young as 19 can work for UberEATS, and Uber drivers over 21 can work the traditional rideshare as well as the food delivery.
Some cities also have UberRUSH, which allows you to make deliveries
via bike or scooter. Overall, Uber is definitely the more flexible option of the two.
Which is better for rideshare?
If you’re still not sure which platform is for you, try both. The upside to the gig economy is that you can quit (or just cease work indefinitely) whenever you want. If both are available in your area, there’s no reason you can’t switch between the platforms. However, remember to watch for any rules that may affect how much switching back and forth you can do.
New driver? Check out our article about hacking the sign-up bonuses for Uber and Lyft.
Happy driving!
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