The 2025 Uber Lost & Found Index: Unforgettable Finds and Surprising Trends

We’ve all been there—forgetting something important in an Uber ride. Whether it’s a phone, keys, or wallet, the items left behind are sometimes just the essentials. But what about the more unexpected items? According to Uber’s 2025 Lost & Found Index, riders have left everything from a Viking drinking horn to 10 live lobsters and even a taxidermized rabbit. Let’s dive into the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) findings from the past year and explore how rideshare drivers can help easily return lost items.

The Most Commonly Forgotten Items

It’s no surprise that phones, wallets, and keys top the list of most forgotten items. But what about the other things that slipped through the cracks? Over the past year, Uber riders left behind:

1. Phones
2. Wallets
3. Keys
4. Luggage
5. Headphones
6. Glasses
7. Clothing
8. Passport
9. Vape
10. Water Bottle

As a rideshare driver, you probably recognize the frantic calls and messages from riders searching for their lost phones. With over 1.7 million phones left behind in 2024, you’re likely getting a lot of these inquiries, especially late at night or after a busy weekend.

Surprising and Unique Finds

While the usual suspects are predictable, Uber’s list of unusual lost items really takes things up a notch. Among the strangest forgotten things were:

• A mannequin head with human hair
• A Viking drinking horn
• A Ghostbusters ghost trap
• A chainsaw
• A taxidermized rabbit
• 175 hamburger sliders
• 10 live lobsters

Riders don’t just forget their everyday essentials—they sometimes leave behind the most random and unforgettable items. From vinyl records to rare Pokémon cards, it’s clear that Uber riders have a knack for misplacing what they value most, whether it’s a sentimental memento or an oddly specific collector’s item.

Forgetful Cities and Days

So, where are these items most commonly left behind? According to the 2025 Uber Lost & Found Index, New York City leads the way as the most forgetful city. Other forgetful cities include Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Interestingly, October 26 was the day with the most lost items—perhaps because it coincides with the peak of Halloween festivities, a time when the celebrations may have made riders a bit too distracted to remember their belongings.

As a rideshare driver, this can be an important reminder of the busiest (and forgetful) days of the year. If you find yourself picking up a lot of items during high-traffic events, you might want to set up a dedicated area in your car for lost and found items to avoid mix-ups.

The Rise of Wellness and Fitness Accessories

It’s clear that wellness trends are taking over. Items like Pilates socks, yoga mats, and even pickleball paddles were frequently left behind. Drivers, keep an eye out for these accessories as you clean out your car at the end of a shift—you might just be the hero that reunites a rider with their prized workout gear.

Tech Troubles

Uber riders also love their gadgets, especially Apple products. The most common tech items left behind included iPhones, AirPods, and other Apple devices. If you’re a driver who frequently finds Apple products in your car, you’re not alone. Apple products continue to dominate the lost and found lists, which might mean that many riders are just too distracted by their devices to remember them once they’re out of the car.

How Rideshare Drivers Can Help

Whether you’re a veteran driver or just getting started, it’s easy to help your riders retrieve their lost items. Uber has a simple process for both drivers and riders to follow when it comes to lost property. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Uber app and tap on “Activity.”
2. Select the trip where the item was lost.
3. Scroll down to the “Find lost item” section and choose the option to contact the driver about the lost item.
4. If you’re the driver, coordinate with the rider on a convenient time and place for them to pick up their item.

Remember, some items can’t be returned as easily as others. But with a few simple taps, you can make sure that the forgotten phone, wallet, or even the bizarre taxidermized rabbit makes its way back to its owner.

Trends to Watch

The Lost & Found Index also revealed some interesting trends from the past year:

• Lost in Litigation: Legal documents like court summons and divorce papers made their way into Uber vehicles. Hopefully, riders track these down before their lawyer does.
• Top Shelf, Bottomed Out: Expensive liquor bottles such as Don Julio 1942 and Clase Azul were forgotten, leaving drivers with some pricey surprises.
• Pickleball & Pilates Panic: Fitness accessories like Pilates socks and yoga mats were regularly left behind—proof that wellness is a big part of the rideshare world.
• Switching It Up: With over 70 Nintendo Switches left behind, gamers may need a reminder to grab their consoles before heading out.

A Few Tips for Drivers

As a driver, it’s important to stay organized and vigilant when dealing with lost items. Here are a few tips:

• Check your car regularly—especially after late-night rides or rides following busy events like concerts or parties.
• Set up a dedicated space for lost items so they don’t get mixed in with your other belongings.
• Use the Uber Lost & Found process to quickly reunite riders with their lost items.

With just a little extra care and attention, you can make a big difference for riders—and maybe even end up with a heartfelt thank-you note or a small tip for your trouble.

Source: Uber Newsroom
Image Source: TechSpot