NYC Man Says Keep Your Phone Charged When Booking Uber — Here’s Why
NEW YORK CITY — A viral TikTok is reigniting debate over whether your phone’s battery level could affect the price of an Uber ride. The claim: riders with low batteries may see higher fares because they’re more likely to accept whatever option appears on-screen.
Viral TikTok Sparks Discussion
TikTok user @tabba_tat posted a video urging viewers to always keep their phone charged when booking an Uber. The post, which has gained more than 580,000 views, suggests that when riders are desperate to book quickly before their phone dies, Uber allegedly raises prices.
“Basically if your battery is low then you’re less picky about the price… Because of that they’ll send you more expensive options,” one commenter explained, echoing the theory.
Where the Rumor Comes From
The theory dates back several years. In 2016, Keith Chen, Uber’s former head of economic research, noted in an interview that riders with nearly dead phones were more likely to accept surge fares.
At least one newspaper once claimed to have tested the idea — reporting that a phone with lower battery got a higher fare than one with a full charge. However, follow-up tests and fact-checking outlets like Snopes have failed to replicate those results.
Uber Denies the Claim
Uber has repeatedly denied factoring battery life into its pricing algorithm. The company told BroBible that the rumor is “100% false,” adding:
“Uber does not use any information about a user’s cell phone battery level in setting prices, and has never done so.”
Riders Remain Split
Despite Uber’s denial, many riders remain suspicious. Some commenters on the viral video insisted their ride prices fluctuate regardless of battery percentage. Others said they’ve long believed the app uses battery data to push higher fares.
As one TikTok user put it: “If they are increasing prices for low battery, that’s evil.”
Do you think Uber could really be using battery data to influence ride pricing, or is this just another internet rumor? Share your take in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
