Using Uber with Children
You can use Uber to pick up kids. It’s against Uber rules for a child under 18 to ride alone. You can request a ride for other adults through your app. Teen accounts require parent and teen opt-in.
Use Uber Family, UberPool, or Uber kid rideshare for kids. Uber doesn’t allow under 18 without an adult. Parents even send Ubers to pick up kids. Experts say risks exist for teens using ride-shares.
Uber’s Minor Policy
In general, Uber’s policy requires riders to be at least 18 years old to use their service. Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to create an account or request a ride on their own. However, if a parent or guardian sets up an account and requests a ride for their minor child, Uber does allow minors to ride.
If you notice at your pickup location that the rider looks under 18, you can decline the trip and report it to Uber. Refusing or canceling trips on this basis will not impact your cancellation rate, if you select the cancellation option ‘Unaccompanied minor’. It’s also a good idea to let your rider know why you can’t accept the trip.
If you are concerned about the rider’s safety, you may complete the trip with the rider. After the trip, you should report this to Uber.
Account holders should not request a ride for an unaccompanied minor under 18. An under 18 taking a trip alone is a safety concern, and Uber’s guidelines help keep you and the rider safe.
Uber Family allows parents to monitor rides, set parameters, and pay for rides. Parents should ensure teenagers are aware of Uber’s safety guidelines.
Booking Uber as a Parent
The Uber app has a variety of safety features to make using Uber, with kids or not, as safe as possible. One feature you can use is sharing your trip status. The Uber family profile allows you to connect up to 5 people to your Uber account.
Remember that Uber requires riders to be at least 18 years of age or older to have their own account and request rides, so you will need to use your own account to book rides for your child.
If you’re using your Uber account for the Uber family profiles, they must still be accompanied by an adult to be allowed to ride.
If your child needs to use Uber for regular transportation, it is advisable to explore the option of services like Uber Family. If your child is under 18 and cannot be accompanied by an adult, you’ll need to consider alternative transportation options.
To be clear, you cannot set up an Uber account specifically for your child. If your child is over 18 years old, you can use the Uber Family option to invite them to use the app.
Safety Concerns for Children Using Uber
One of the parents’ most important concerns is their children’s safety while using apps like Uber. According to Uber’s terms of service, it is not legal for people under 18 to use Uber, and an adult must accompany minors.
If you’re riding with a child, select Uber Kids. If this option isn’t available, call the driver and ask if they have a child safety seat or booster seat in the car.