We're learning a lot of interesting things about who uses Uber

Despite their typical embrace of regulation, Democratic users of the services are much more likely than not to oppose taxi-like regulations on the apps, according to a new Pew Research Center poll. Just 30 percent support similar regulations while 54 percent oppose them - sentiment that cuts across political lines even as the majority of users are Democrats.

"This general anti-regulatory attitude is particularly notable given the overall political leanings of ride-hailing users as a group: As a whole, ride-hailing users are twice as likely to identify as Democrats as Republicans," writes Aaron Smith, an associated director with Pew and author of the report.

Those users who identify as Republican or conservative tend to have stronger anti-regulatory leanings, but even liberals are much more likely than not to oppose regulations, according to the survey conducted toward the end of last year. More than 4,700 adults participated, though not all were users of such services.

Roughly half of the overall adult population - 48 percent - is at least somewhat familiar with the debate over how to regulate the ride-hailing services, and they tend to oppose taxi-like regulations. Some 35 percent favor similar rules for taxis and services like Uber and Lyft, while 42 percent oppose them.

That may be because most users see Uber and Lyft as software companies as opposed to transportation companies and two-thirds view drivers as independent contractors as opposed to employees.

Who uses Uber and Lyft?

Just 15 percent of all American adults have ever used ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, while 33 percent don't even know what they are. Half of Americans - 51 percent - have heard of them, but never used them.

The users tend to be young, well-educated, well-off and urban, while usage varies little by gender or race.