OWNRYDE ACCESSIBILITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Version 1.0 — Effective January 2025
OwnRyde is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and accessible transportation experience for all Members. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and ensure equal access to services for individuals with disabilities.
This policy applies to all Rider Members, Driver Members, and Ambassadors.
1. Non-Discrimination Commitment
OwnRyde strictly prohibits discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to:
- Disability
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Veteran status
- Marital status
- Immigration status
- Language
- Appearance
- Any other protected category
Violations of this policy result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.
2. Accessibility Standards (ADA Compliance)
OwnRyde follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar accessibility laws worldwide.
Driver Members must provide equal service to Rider Members with disabilities.
Examples of protected accessibility needs include:
- Blind or low-vision Riders
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing Riders
- Riders traveling with service animals
- Riders using mobility aids
- Riders with cognitive or developmental disabilities
3. Service Animals
Driver Members must accept service animals accompanying Rider Members.
Driver Members may not:
- Refuse service due to a service animal
- Charge additional fees
- Request documentation or proof
- Ask inappropriate or intrusive questions
- Separate or isolate the animal
- Discriminate in any manner
Drivers may ask only the two questions permitted under the ADA:
- “Is this a service animal required because of a disability?”
- “What task or work has the animal been trained to perform?”
Failure to comply with service animal requirements results in permanent removal.
4. Mobility Aids & Assistive Devices
Driver Members must:
- Allow folding wheelchairs
- Allow collapsible walkers
- Allow canes and assistive devices
- Provide reasonable loading assistance
Driver Members may not:
- Refuse service due to mobility needs
- Charge extra fees
- Avoid pickups because of disability
Availability of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) may vary by region.
5. Assistance Expectations
Driver Members are expected to provide reasonable assistance, including:
- Helping fold mobility devices
- Opening vehicle doors
- Assisting with luggage
- Allowing extra time during boarding
Driver Members are not required to:
- Physically lift Riders
- Perform medical procedures
- Provide personal care services
6. Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Riders
OwnRyde accommodates Members with hearing disabilities.
Driver Members must:
- Use in-app messaging when needed
- Follow pickup instructions carefully
- Remain patient with communication differences
Discrimination against deaf or hard-of-hearing Riders is prohibited.
7. Blind & Low-Vision Riders
Driver Members must:
- Verbally confirm arrival at pickup
- Provide clear audio instructions
- Offer verbal guidance to the vehicle
- Assist with seating when requested
8. Cognitive or Developmental Disabilities
Driver Members must:
- Show patience and understanding
- Speak clearly and calmly
- Provide simple explanations
- Avoid frustration or disrespect
If a Rider appears confused, Driver Members should ensure the Rider’s safety, confirm the destination, and avoid any form of exploitation.
9. No Extra Fees Allowed
Driver Members may not charge additional fees for:
- Disabilities
- Service animals
- Assistive devices
- Extra loading or boarding time
Violations result in immediate removal.
10. Refusal of Service — Allowed Exceptions Only
Driver Members may refuse a trip only if:
- The Rider poses a physical threat
- The Rider is violent or aggressive
- The Rider requests illegal activity
- The pickup location is unsafe
- The vehicle cannot physically accommodate the device (e.g., non-folding wheelchair in a sedan)
Driver Members may not refuse service because:
- A Rider has a disability
- A Rider has a service animal
- A Rider requires extra time
- A Rider communicates differently
- A Rider uses a mobility device
11. Reporting & Enforcement
Violations of this policy must be reported immediately through:
- Email: support@ownryde.com
- In-app Safety Report Tool
OwnRyde will investigate all reports, review ride data, request statements, and issue appropriate consequences.
Penalties may include:
- Warnings
- Temporary suspension
- Permanent removal
- Referral to authorities in severe cases
12. Accessibility in the App
OwnRyde is committed to accessible digital experiences, including:
- Screen reader and VoiceOver compatibility
- High-contrast user interface options
- Large text and readability support
- Simple, clear language
- Accessible button placement
- Vibration feedback for key actions
Accessibility improvements will continue as the Platform evolves.
13. International Accessibility Compliance
Outside the United States, OwnRyde complies with applicable accessibility laws, including:
- AODA (Canada)
- Equality Act 2010 (United Kingdom)
- DDA (Australia)
- EAA (European Union Accessibility Act)
- Local disability and anti-discrimination regulations
Driver Members must follow accessibility requirements applicable in their region.
14. Member Acknowledgment
By using OwnRyde, Members acknowledge and agree that:
- Discrimination is strictly prohibited
- Accessibility is a core requirement of membership
- Driver Members must accept service animals
- Riders with disabilities must be treated equally
- Violations result in account removal
- Reports will be investigated
- ADA and global accessibility laws apply