Uber: The 10 Strangest Items Left in Behind In Rideshare Cars Last Year

It's not unusual for Uber or Lyft passengers to accidentally forget their cellphone, keys or other common belongings in the vehicle. But Uber says people sometimes leave behind far more unusual items.

Over the years, Uber has seen its fair share of forgetful moments. From everyday items like wallets and headphones to the downright bizarre, the annual Lost & Found Index never fails to entertain. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most unique and unexpected items left behind in Uber rides.

Common Culprits: The Usual Suspects

Clothing, luggage, headphones, and wallets often top the list of most forgotten items. It’s no surprise—these are things we all carry around daily and are prone to misplacing. But riders didn’t just stop there. They also left behind a myriad of peculiar possessions that you wouldn’t believe.

The Oddities: Strangest Items Left Behind in Ubers

Each year brings its own set of unusual lost items, and 2024 was no different. Here are some of the most memorable and quirky things Uber passengers forgot:

Frontal hair toupee: A hair-raising discovery for sure.
Live pet animal turtle: A slow and steady ride left behind.
Gray tub of surgical implants: Definitely a cause for concern.
Police-grade handcuffs: Hopefully, they were off-duty.
Beyoncé fold-up fan: A must-have for any Queen B enthusiast.
A personalized blanket with a picture of me and my dog: Sentimental value left in the back seat.
Small rat skeleton prop: Perfect for a spooky setup, but not in an Uber.
Standup paddleboard paddle: Perhaps they were paddling through traffic.
Taylor Swift autograph, framed: A Swiftie’s prized possession.
Jeep Liberty engine: An unusual and bulky item to leave behind.

Food Fiascos: Edible Items Left Behind

Not just quirky objects, but food items also made the list of forgotten belongings:

A whole smoked pork belly: A feast left to waste.
Bucket of cookies: A sweet treat abandoned.
Benihana garlic butter: An essential for some gourmet cooking.
Mason jar with cilantro: Fresh herbs, gone.
Tray of meat pie: Comfort food left for the next passenger.
Side of salmon: An extravagant meal left behind.
A nice cheese: A gourmet delight that someone didn’t get to enjoy.

Trends in Forgetfulness

Some trends stood out this year, adding to the fun of the Lost & Found Index:

Seeing Red: The most common color of lost items was red, perhaps signaling frustration.
Crystals Galore: Riders lost numerous healing crystals, indicating a need for inner peace.
WiFi Woes: Many left behind mobile routers and hotspots, likely leading to connectivity crises.
Mini Cooper Keys: Owners of these zippy cars had the highest rate of misplaced keys.

Most Forgetful Cities Per Uber

Some cities showed a higher tendency for forgetfulness, with Miami, FL, topping the list. Other cities like Los Angeles, CA, and Atlanta, GA, also featured prominently, showing that urban living might come with its share of absent-mindedness. These cities seem to be the hotspots for forgetfulness, making one wonder what it is about these locations that make people so prone to losing their belongings.

Some cities showed a higher tendency for forgetfulness with Uber, with Miami, FL, topping the list

Time and Day: When Forgetfulness Peaks

Interestingly, the most forgetful time of day was between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and January 21st was the most forgetful day of the year. It seems that as the night goes on, the chances of leaving something behind increase. Perhaps it’s the fatigue of the day setting in or the distraction of evening activities that leads to this spike in forgotten items.

Getting Back Your Belongings

Uber has made it relatively easy to retrieve forgotten items. If you ever leave something behind, the best course of action is to call your driver. If you left your phone, you can access your account from a computer and contact the driver through the app. The process is straightforward and aims to reunite riders with their lost items as quickly as possible.

As we reminisce about these lost items, it’s a good reminder to check the backseat next time you hop out of any rideshare service. Whether it’s your phone, your wallet, or a tray of meat pie, taking a moment to ensure you have all your belongings can save you from the hassle of tracking them down later. Who knows what you might leave behind? It might be something as ordinary as a book or as extraordinary as a personalized blanket with a picture of you and your dog.