Posts

Phone mount for Uber and Lyft drivers

10 Things Every Uber & Lyft Driver Needs In Their Car

Whether you’re trying to make some cash on the side or working full-time as an Uber or Lyft driver, it pays to be prepared for a variety of situations you might find on the road.

Here’s a list of the top 10 things every Uber and Lyft driver should have in their car.

1. Phone Mount

A phone mount should be a staple for all Lyft and Uber drivers.

Having a phone mount allows you to keep your phone in front of you without having to look at your lap every 30 seconds, or hold the phone directly in your hand. Not only are you able to safely see where you are going, but you also have easy, one touch access to your phone to accept new rides or communicate with passengers.

Plus, a hands-free device is required by law in some states. Also, not having a phone mount is one of the leading reasons why Lyft and Uber passengers give low ratings to drivers.

Not only does having a phone mount allow you to drive safely, and can also actually boost your ratings.

Passengers like to be able to see the directions that you’re following and know that your eyes are on the road.

There are a number of different types of phone mounts that attach to your air conditioner vents, your window, or your vehicle cupholders.

Whether you prefer a cradle phone mount or a magnetic mount, be sure to get a phone mount if you’re driving for Lyft or Uber.

2. Car Charger & Charging Cable

Obviously, you’ll need a working car charger and charging cable for your own smartphone if you plan on working for Lyft or Uber. Having one if you drive for Doordash or Postmates works is a good idea too.

However, you should consider purchasing an additional cable to offer passengers who may need to charge their phone. It’s a relatively inexpensive one time expense that can result in more happy passengers.

You can purchase a car charger with multiple USB ports and keep charging cables for Android and Apple phones on hand in case a passenger’s phone is dying and they need to recharge.

3. Emesis Bags

Though it’s not something we like to think about, occasionally passengers will get sick in your car.

This can really put a damper on your night if you aren’t prepared to handle this situation. Emesis bags, or vomit bags, help keep the mess contained. These come in handy for Uber and Lyft drivers, especially those who are working in college towns or areas with a lot of nightlife traffic.

4. First Aid Kit

Every driver should have a first aid kit in their car, whether they are working for Uber, Lyft or a delivery service like Postmates or Doordah.

Though you will most likely not have to use your first aid kit much, it’s nice to have in case of emergencies – even if it just means that you can offer your passenger a band aid for their paper cut. You can pick up a first aid kit at any pharmacy or on Amazon.

5. LED Flashlight

Having an LED flashlight in your car is a must for those who drive Uber and Lyft at night time.

If you are having car trouble or need help seeing street signs when driving in a neighborhood, a large, LED flashlight with fresh batteries is a necessity. The flashlight is also helpful for illuminating the car seat when a passenger drops something. While most phones have a camera light that doubles as a flashlight, a standalone led flashlight in your center console is often a more convenient opiton.

6. Tire Pressure Gauge and Tire Inflator

A tire pressure gauge and tire inflator are two relatively inexpensive tools that can make a world of difference during your rideshare shift.

Best Uber tire pressure gauge

 

When it gets cold outside, your tire pressure will start to dip, and it’s important for you to ensure that your tires are filled to the recommended level to stay safe on the roads.

A tire pressure gauge helps you ensure that your tires are at the correct PSI, while a tire inflator runs off of your cigarette lighter adapter, allowing you to refill your tires. Both of these devices will certainly come in handy when your tire pressure starts to dip.

7. Spare Tire or Flat Kit

Whether you’ve got a passenger in your car or you’re on your way to pick up a passenger, a flat tire can ruin your whole night as a rideshare driver. Make sure that you have a spare tire or a flat kit in your vehicle at all times and that you know how to use it. You can pick these up at an auto parts store.

8. Jumper Cables or Portable Battery Jump Pack

Random car battery issues can happen at any time, especially during the winter.

This can spell disaster for Uber and Lyft drivers who need their car in working order if they want to make money.

Jumper cables and/or a portable battery jump pack can come in handy when your car fails to start. Also, many jump packs come with a built-in compressor, which works wonders when you need to inflate your tires but aren’t near a gas station. You can purchase these items at any auto parts store.

9. Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are great to have on hand for emergencies. They can help keep the grease off your hands if you are having car issues and need to look under the hood.

They are also a must if you are cleaning up vomit or other debris from your vehicle. These can be purchased at the pharmacy or through Amazon.

10. Water

If you’re working a long shift, it’s important to stay hydrated so that you can remain focused and alert.

Lyft and Uber passenger water

 

Water is also a good thing to have on hand for passengers when it’s hot out. Whether they’re dehydrated from a night on the town or just looking for a little refreshment before they get to their destination, your passengers will appreciate having bottled water on hand.

 

best phone mount uber

The Best Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft Drivers

[toc]

Return To Essential Products Page

Whether you’re driving for Lyft, Uber, or a delivery service like Amazon Flex or Instacart, a good phone mount setup is essential.

Driving around holding your phone, or resting it in the cup holder isn’t safe, and is a sure way to get low ratings.

[su_box title=”What is the best phone mount for Lyft and Uber?” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]

best phone mount uber

Photo by DariuszSankowski [/su_box]

There are three main categories of cell phone mounts:

  • Air Vent Phone Mounts
  • Dashboard Phone Mounts
  • Windshield Phone Mounts.

There are also cigarette lighter/power outlet mounts. We don’t recommend these types of mounts because the phone usually rests too low.

Your phone should be mounted at or near eye level, making it easy to keep your eyes on the road.

Read on to learn more about the different types of phone mounts and see our recommended phone mounts for Uber and Lyft drivers.

Air Vent Phone Mounts

Air vent mounts clip onto to your air conditioning vents. Many drivers like these mounts because they have a very low profile compared to dash and window mounts.

For most air vent models, you attach a small adhesive magnet (included) to the back of your phone. The magnet on the air vent mount will then hold your phone in place.

However, if your phone is in a case, you often don’t need the adhesive, as the case will hold the magnet in place.

Also, some air vent mounts use a cradle instead of a magnet to hold the phone.

Recommended Air Vent Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”TechMatte MagGrip Air Vent Magnetic Universal Car Mount Holder” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Elegant, cradle-less design. Compatible with almost all smartphones including the Iphone X and Samsung Galaxy S8. Strong neodymium magnets hold heavier phones in place.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: For Qi-enabled phones, use the smaller circle plate as the square plate can interfere with wireless charging.
Dimensions: 1-3/4″ Width; 1-1/2″ Length
Warranty: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee; 12-Month Replacement Warranty
[/su_box]

[su_box title=”iOttie Easy One Touch Mini Air Vent Car Mount Holder Cradle” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Cradle rotates 360 degrees for optimal viewing. One click lock provides strong clamp to vent blade while minimizing device vibration. Fits all smartphones and cases from 2.3 to 3.5 inches wide. More compact than most cradle mounts.
Cons: May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Dimensions: 2.2 x 4.8 x 5.7 inches.
Warranty: 1 Year.[/su_box]

[su_box title=”TechMatte MagGrip 360 Multi Angle Magnetic Air Vent Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Mount swivels, and rotates 360 degrees. Compatible with almost all smartphones including the Iphone X and Samsung Galaxy S8. Strong neodymium magnets hold heavier phones in place.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: For Qi-enabled phones, use the smaller circle plate as the square plate can interfere with wireless charging.
Dimensions: 1.78″ diameter; 2.27″ length
Warranty: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee; 12-Month Replacement Warranty[/su_box]

[su_box title=”WizGear Universal Twist-lock Air vent Magnetic Car Mount Holder” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Twist lock is a unique design that prevents the mount form falling off the vents. Swivel and lock mount prevents unintended rotation.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: Not recommended for Qi-enabled phones.
Dimensions: 4.2 x 3 x 2 inches[/su_box]

Dashboard Phone Mounts

Dashboard mounts usually have a suction cup, or adhesive silicone base, that attaches to your dashboard.

You may also be interested in:

The phone then rests in a cradle, or attaches to the mount via magnet.

Recommended Dashboard Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”Scosche MAGDMB MagicMount Universal Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Cradleless Design. Mount secures to dash with automotive-grade 3M adhesive. Mount swivels for convenient viewing.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. Not recommended for Qi-enabled phones. Mounting surface must be flat, and untextured.
Dimensions: 2.1 x 3 x 2.3 in
Warranty: 36 months[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Holds all phone and case combinations from 2.3 – 3.5 inches. Can also be mounted on the windshield. The telescopic arm extends from 4.9 – 8.3 inches and pivots on a 225° arc for a variety of optimal positions.
Cons: The One Touch 4 is larger and bulkier than most mounts.
Warranty: 1 year
Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 9 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Volport Magnetic Dashboard Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Fully rotatable. Mount secures to dash with automotive-grade 3M adhesive. Mount swivels for convenient viewing.
Cons: Not recommended for use with a thick case. Must be mounted on a flat and smooth surface.
Note: For larger devices, use the larger metal plates.
Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches
Warranty: None[/su_box]

Windshield Phone Mounts

The last type of mount is the window phone mount. These mounts attach to your windshield using a suction cup. The iOttie 4 above is also recommended as windshield mount model.

Many drivers love these mounts because they place the phone right at eye level.

Recommended Windshield Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”Marsee Windshield Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Holder can be mounted to window or dash. Gravity Self-locking – The weight of your phone automatically locks your phone in place when the phone is touching the bottom. Holds phones from 2 – 3.62 inches.
Cons: Suction cup requires periodic cleaning.
Warranty: 18 Months; 45 day return policy
Dimensions: 2.5 x 7.1 x 3.2 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Exshow Car Windshield Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Extra long arm with flexible base. Cradle quick release. Holds phone 1.9 – 3.7 inches wide.
Cons: Some drivers say the cradle grip could be stronger.
Warranty: 1 Year.
Dimensions: 2.9 x 13.6 x 4.9 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Scosche MAGWSM2 MagicMount Suction Cup Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Suction-mounts onto car window, windshield or dash. Short-necked design for use with GPS devices. Cradle-free design.
Cons: Some drivers say the Scosche magnets are not as strong as the Techmatte magnets.
Warranty: 3 Years.
Dimensions: 4.7 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Mpow Windshield Long Arm Phone Mount ” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Extra long arm with flexible base. One button release. Width adjustable to hold devices up to 6 inches. Extra dashboard suction cup offers additional support.
Cons: The suction cup needs periodic cleaning. Some drivers have complained the suction cup functions poorly in hot weather.
Warranty: 18 Months. 45 day money back guarantee.
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.1 x 2.5 inches[/su_box]

 

best cell phone carrier for uber or lyft

Best Cell Phone Carriers For Lyft & Uber

Selecting A Cell Phone Carrier for Uber or Lyft driving

A good cell phone plan is essential if you’re going to Drive With Lyft, Uber, or another on-demand service. The three main factors to consider when selecting your cell phone carrier are price, network coverage, and the data plan. If you’re full-time, you’ll want a plan with a minimum of 4 gigabytes (really 5GB to be safe) of data. If you’re part-time, figure on using about 1 gigabyte of data for every 50 hours driven. These are rough estimates. Luckily, many carriers now offer unlimited data.

When it comes to price, if you drive for Uber or Lyft, you’re eligible for discounts from certain wireless carriers. In terms of network coverage, all four of the largest wireless carriers have pretty strong networks at this point. However, all the major carriers also still have some dead zones outside of major metro areas. This is something to keep in mind since you’ll occasionally get a really long (60 miles+) ride that takes you out of your metro area. If you drive in an area where you get a lot of rural trips, AT&T or Verizon may be a better choice because they have better coverage outside major metro areas than Sprint or T-Mobile.

Best Uber & Lyft Cell Phone Carriers

We’ve looked over the four largest wireless carriers in the U.S. and listed the pros and cons of each for Lyft and Uber driving. We haven’t ranked the carriers because the level of cell phone coverage varies from city to city. WhistleOut has a list of which carrier has the best network coverage in each state. However, while Verizon and AT&T have the best networks in most states, that doesn’t mean that they’re the best choice in your city. Even though Verizon has the highest ranked network nationally, Sprint or AT&T may be a better choice in certain cities. The time tested way to find out who has the best coverage in your area is to ask some people in your town. A good person to ask may be your next Uber or Lyft driver.

Sprint

Sprint’s plans include unlimited talk, text and data. While their national coverage area is the smallest of the big four carriers, they still cover 93% of the country. If they have good coverage in your area, Sprint is an excellent choice, especially if you need to have multiple lines on your wireless account. They offer incentives for switching and have the best per line rates of the major carriers.

Driver Discounts: Uber only

Sprint is currently offering Uber driver partners $100 for each line they transfer to sprint. Drivers can receive a maximum of $300 if they transfer 3 or more lines to Sprint. Sprint also has a special discounted price of $19 per line (up to 5 lines) for Uber drivers.

Pro: Most affordable Plans.
Con: Overall service area coverage is ranked behind Verizon, T-Mobile, & AT&T.

Sign Up For Sprint

AT&T

AT&T has 2 types of unlimited data plans – unlimited choice ($60/1 line) and unlimited plus ($90/1 line). The lower priced plan limits data speed to 3Mbps, but that is more than sufficient to do rideshare. If you need multiple lines, you can get 4 lines on the unlimited choice plan $160 per month. These prices are with paperless billing and autopay enabled. They also have shared plans, but those plans include per device access fees of $20, which makes the unlimited plan the better deal. These prices don’t include taxes and fees.

Driver Discounts: Uber Only
AT&T has some of the best discounts available for Uber drivers. They are currently offering Uber drivers 20% off service plans, and a $650 device credit if you’re switching to AT&T. They also offer an extra 1GB per month if you choose a shared data plan.

Pros: Slightly less than Verizon with similar network stats. Great Uber deals
Cons: Still a little pricey.

Sign Up For AT&T

Verizon

Verizon recently launched unlimited data plans on both single and family accounts. Before the driver discount, the unlimited data plan for a one line account runs $80, or $140 for two lines. Alternatively, a driver could get an 8GB shared plan (multiple lines) for $70. However, Verizon also charges $20/month per device for “line access” on shared plans. So, if you go with Verizon, you’re better off with an unlimited data plan.

Driver Discounts: Lyft & Uber
Verizon currently offers both Lyft and Uber drivers 15% off their monthly bill (including family plans), and 25% off certain accessories.

Pro: Best overall network
Con: Plans are priced on the higher end.

Sign Up For Verizon

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s unlimited data plan is called T-Mobile One. You can get one line on this plan for $70 per month, including taxes and fees. They offer discounts the more lines you add. For three lines, the monthly cost drops to $47 per line per month.

Driver Discounts: None
For some reason, T-Mobile doesn’t offer driver discounts. They have a rider promotion going with Lyft, but no driver promotions on either platform.

Pro: Prices are lower than Verizon & AT&T
Con: No driver discounts.

Sign Up For T-Mobile