Older adults' experiences with app-based ride-hailing in Indonesia: At the intersection of health, gender, digital literacy, and affordability

App-based ride-hailing services—from car-based to motorbike-based—have significantly transformed urban mobility in Southeast Asia over the past decade. These services offer flexible, door-to-door transport essential for urban residents, particularly those who might experience reduced mobility, such as older adults. This qualitative study examines older adults’ experiences with app-based ride-hailing services, focusing on their experiences and perceptions of accessibility. The analysis is based on 28 semi-structured in-depth interviews with older adults (aged 60+) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The findings reveal that age-related physical challenges and declining health often motivate older adults to use ride-hailing services, especially for accessing healthcare facilities. Older women, in particular, face greater challenges in accessing private vehicles, and their mobility needs are often neglected within the household. Digital literacy strongly shapes older adults’ perceived accessibility, influencing both their ability and confidence to use ride-hailing apps. Affordability also appears as a key concern, with frequent use of ride-hailing posing financial challenges for those on fixed or limited income. Beyond examining perceived accessibility to ride-hailing services, this study provides a nuanced understanding of how these services are used. It highlights the dynamic intersections between gender, digital literacy, affordability, and health issues that affect older adults' engagement with using these services. These insights enhance our understanding of their mobility needs and inform the broader discourse on inclusive mobility. • Health issues drive older adults to rely on ride-hailing for essential mobility. • Gender norms limit older women's access to private vehicles, increasing reliance. • Limited digital literacy hinders older adults' access to ride-hailing services. • Affordability remains a key barrier for older adults using ride-hailing services.