Uber is developing a system that will allow 10-year-olds to travel alone.

      The latest Uber iOS app code suggests that the company is exploring the addition of tweens aged 10 to 12 to Uber Family profiles, featuring a trusted adult contact option and the possibility of requiring an adult to be present during pickup. However, Uber clarifies that this feature is not yet operational and that its only existing offering for teens is for those aged 13 to 17.

      Uber is considering an option that would allow children as young as 10 to ride alone. According to Bloomberg, the code in the recent version of its iOS app mentions the ability to add a “tween” to an Uber Family profile. An Uber representative stated, “This isn’t a live product, and while we’re always looking to meet the needs of busy families, currently the only Teen product we offer is for teens ages 13 to 17.” The development efforts suggest that the feature is at least being contemplated.

      The code indicates that the account holder could designate a trusted adult as the tween’s contact and could require that an adult be present for both pickup and drop-off. Additionally, it alludes to background-checked drivers, pin verification, and ride tracking, features that already exist in the current teen product.

      Uber has been expanding beyond adult passengers for three years. Teen accounts were launched in 2023 for youth aged 13 to 17 and have now expanded to over 50 countries, facilitating millions of trips. Lyft only entered the market for this demographic in February of this year, and in June, Life360 introduced a feature allowing users to book teen rides through its app.

      Lowering the age to 10 would position Uber in competition with HopSkipDrive, a company that has been transporting children as young as six for several years, emphasizing that it is not an Uber alternative for kids.

      The key difference lies in the driver vetting process. HopSkipDrive mandates a comprehensive certification process that includes fingerprint background checks against FBI and Department of Justice records, verified caregiving experience, and training in trauma-informed care and neurodiversity. The company states that its drivers typically have around ten years of caregiving experience.

      In contrast, Uber’s teen rides utilize its own driver pool, selected based on high ratings and experience, and subjected to a standard multi-step screening process that reviews criminal records and motor vehicle history. This represents a significantly different standard, and the disparity is more pronounced at age 10 compared to age 17.

      The industry's track record with adult passengers is contested, with advocates having long argued that ride-hailing services often fail to support assault survivors.

      For Uber, the business rationale is clear. The company has already incorporated features for teenagers and simplified the interface for older riders. The demographic of children remains largely untapped.

      Published August 12, 2026 - 7:16 pm UTC