First New Zealand Wheelchair User Uber Driver
Lee shares with us what being the first wheelchair Uber driver in New Zealand means for him and for our community.
I didn’t set out to become an Uber driver, it just kind of happened. I had an idea, gave it a bit of thought, took some action… and suddenly, here I am, driving passengers around the beautiful Auckland area!
The process is slow and admin-heavy (hello P endorsement, TSL, and Uber modules), but honestly, it’s not that hard. Once you're through the paperwork, you're running your own little business, choosing your own hours, and hitting the road.
As a driver, I stay in the vehicle. I don’t assist with getting in or out, or with the boot. Sometimes I mention I use a wheelchair, just so people don’t think I’m being unhelpful. But most of the time, passengers don’t even notice. They don’t see the hand controls, and as long as I drive well and get them where they need to go, that’s all that matters.
It’s surprisingly liberating. Something as simple as driving feels so “normal,” but when I share it with others, the reaction is often, “Wow, you do that?”
If this story inspires even one person to follow a dream or chase an idea no matter how small, then I’m happy. Life’s too short not to have fun and follow what lights you up.
Lee Warn – Panthera X End-user
This story is shared as part of the beyond community, which brings together people with different experiences, interests and ways of participating. While it references a specific product, the aim is to show travel can be possible - we just need to work out how, together.
Everyone’s story is different. If you would like to share yours, or be part of the beyond community, we’d love to hear from you - fill in our form here.
