Uber offers car seat options through a service called Uber Car Seat, which pairs you with drivers who have installed car seats for children
Uber Car Seat is available in select cities and lets you request a ride with a car seat already installed in the vehicle. The driver provides the car seat — you do not bring your own. When you open the Uber app and request a ride, you can select the Car Seat option if it appears in your area. The ride costs more than a standard Uber, typically in the range of a premium service tier, though the exact price varies by city and demand.
Not all cities have this service. Availability depends on whether Uber has recruited and trained enough drivers in your area to offer it. You can check by opening the app and looking at the ride options available to you. If Car Seat does not appear as a choice, the service is not yet running where you are.
The car seats installed in these vehicles are forward-facing seats suitable for children who have outgrown infant carriers but still need a car seat by law. Uber does not specify the exact model or age range each seat accommodates, so when you book, you should confirm the seat will work for your child's size and age.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Car Seat is a separate ride option you select in the app, and the driver provides the car seat at no additional setup cost on your end.
- This service is only available in certain cities, and you can see whether it exists in your area by checking the ride options in the Uber app.
- The car seats are forward-facing and installed by the driver, so you do not need to install or remove anything yourself.
- Rides with car seats cost more than standard Uber rides, and pricing varies by location and time of day.
How to request an Uber with a car seat
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations. Scroll through the available ride types. If Uber Car Seat appears as an option, tap it to select it. The app will show you the estimated fare and the time until pickup.
When you confirm the ride, the app assigns you a driver who has a car seat installed. You will see the driver's name, vehicle details, and rating. The driver will arrive with the car seat already in place. You do not need to do anything except get in and buckle your child in using the seat's harness.
If Uber Car Seat does not appear in your ride options, the service is not available in your area at that time. You can check back later, as availability sometimes expands, but there is no way to request it if it does not show up in the app.
What to know about the car seats provided
The car seats are installed by Uber drivers who have completed training on proper installation and use. Uber requires these drivers to pass a background check and maintain high ratings. However, Uber does not publicly detail the specific car seat models, manufacturers, or safety certifications of the seats in each vehicle.
The seats are forward-facing, which means they are designed for children who have outgrown rear-facing infant seats. You should confirm with the driver or in the app details whether the seat will fit your child's age and weight before the ride begins. If you have concerns about whether a particular seat is appropriate for your child, you can cancel the ride and request a different one.
The driver is responsible for ensuring the car seat is properly installed and maintained. If you notice the seat appears damaged, loose, or unsafe, you should not use it and should cancel the ride.
Pricing and availability by region
Uber Car Seat pricing varies significantly by city. In some markets, the service costs 1.5 to 2 times the price of a standard Uber ride. Surge pricing applies during peak hours, so the cost can be higher during busy times of day.
The service is currently available in a limited number of cities. Major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago have it, but many smaller cities and rural areas do not. Uber has not announced a timeline for expanding the service to additional regions.
You can see the exact price for your specific trip before you confirm the ride. The app shows the estimated fare based on distance, time, and current demand in your area.
Alternatives if Uber Car Seat is not available in your area
If Uber Car Seat does not serve your location, you have several other options. You can bring your own car seat and use a standard Uber ride, though you will need to install it yourself and may support it is properly secured. This is legal in most states, but installation can be time-consuming if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Other rideshare services may offer car seat options in your area. Lyft, for example, offers Lyft Car Seat in some cities with a similar model to Uber's. You can check the Lyft app to see if it is available where you are.
Traditional taxi services and car services sometimes offer car seats upon request, though you typically need to call ahead and confirm availability. Local car rental companies may also rent vehicles with car seats installed if you need transportation for a longer period.
Safety considerations when using a car seat in a rideshare
The main safety concern is proper installation. Even if a driver has been trained, installation errors can happen. Before the ride starts, you can visually check that the seat appears firmly attached to the vehicle seat and does not move side to side when you push on it.
You are responsible for buckling your child into the car seat harness correctly. Make sure the harness straps are snug and the chest clip is at armpit level. If you are unsure how to use the seat, ask the driver to show you before you buckle your child in.
If you have a very young infant or a child with special needs, Uber Car Seat may not be the right option. Infants typically need rear-facing infant carriers, which these vehicles do not provide. In those cases, bringing your own appropriate seat or using a different transportation method is safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own car seat instead of using the one in the car?
Yes. You can request a standard Uber ride and bring your own car seat. You will need to install it yourself in the back seat. Make sure you know how to install it correctly, as improper installation reduces its effectiveness in a crash. Some parents prefer this option because they know their own seat's condition and installation.
What age and weight range do the car seats cover?
Uber does not publicly specify the exact age and weight limits for the car seats in their vehicles. The seats are forward-facing, which typically means they are designed for children roughly 2 to 7 years old, but this varies by model. When you book, you should confirm with the driver that the seat will work for your child's size.
Is Uber Car Seat available in my city?
The only way to know is to open the Uber app and check the ride options available to you. If Car Seat appears as a choice, it is available in your area. If it does not show up, the service is not currently running where you are. You can check back periodically, as Uber sometimes expands the service to new cities.
What if the car seat looks dirty or damaged?
You can cancel the ride without using it. You are not obligated to use a car seat that appears unsafe or unclean. When you cancel, you can request another Uber Car Seat ride and hope the next driver's vehicle is in better condition, or you can choose a different transportation option.
Do I need to tip the driver for an Uber Car Seat ride?
Tipping is optional and works the same way as any other Uber ride. You can add a tip in the app after the ride ends, or you can tip in cash if you prefer. Drivers who maintain car seats and pass background checks often receive tips from parents who appreciate the service.