What Uber Kids is and how to set it up
Uber Kids is a separate account type within the Uber app that lets you create a profile for a young person and control which rides they can take. When your child uses Uber Kids, you receive notifications about their trip — where they're going, who the driver is, and when they arrive. The account is linked to your payment method, so you pay for the rides.
To set up Uber Kids, open your Uber app and go to the Account tab. Select "Add a profile" and choose "Create a teen profile" or "Create a child profile" depending on your child's age. You'll enter your child's name, birthdate, and upload a photo. Your child will need their own login information to use the account on their own device, or they can use a shared device with you.
Once the profile is active, your child can request rides through their own Uber app interface. The rides appear on your account, and you get real-time notifications. You can pause or restrict the account at any time from your parent settings.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Kids is a monitored account type that lets your child request rides while you receive notifications about their location, driver, and arrival time.
- You set up the account through your own Uber app and link it to your payment method, so all rides are charged to you.
- Your child logs in with their own credentials on their device, and you can pause or restrict the account from your parent settings at any time.
- Age requirements and available features vary by location, so check your city's Uber app to see whether Uber Kids is offered where you live.
- Your child can only request rides to destinations you've pre-approved, and drivers are informed that a young person is in the vehicle.
Age requirements and where Uber Kids is available
Uber Kids is not available in every city. The service launched in select markets and has expanded gradually. To find out whether it's offered in your area, open your Uber app, go to Account, and look for the option to add a teen or child profile. If you don't see it, Uber Kids is not yet available in your location.
The minimum age varies by region. In most places where Uber Kids is offered, the service is designed for children ages 13 and up, though some markets may have different age thresholds. Uber requires that a parent or guardian set up and manage the account — your child cannot create their own Uber Kids profile.
Availability also depends on local regulations. Some cities and states have specific rules about ride-sharing for minors, and Uber adjusts its service accordingly. If you're unsure whether your child can use Uber Kids in your area, contact Uber support through the app or check your local transportation authority's website.
How your child requests a ride and what you see
Once the Uber Kids account is set up, your child opens the Uber app on their device and logs in with their profile. They enter their pickup location and destination just like a regular Uber user. However, they can only request rides to destinations you've pre-approved in the parent settings — they cannot add new destinations on their own.
When your child requests a ride, you receive a notification on your phone when ready. You can see the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and license plate. As the ride progresses, you get real-time updates showing the route and your child's current location. You also receive a notification when the driver arrives, when the ride begins, and when it ends.
Drivers are informed that a young person is using Uber Kids, so they know to take extra care. Your child can contact the driver through the app's messaging feature, and you can also reach out to Uber support if there are any concerns during the ride.
Setting approved destinations and controlling the account
In the parent settings, you add the locations where your child is allowed to request rides. These might be school, a friend's house, a sports practice, or your workplace. Your child cannot request a ride to any destination outside this pre-approved list. If they need to go somewhere new, they have to ask you to add it to the approved destinations first.
You can also set time restrictions on when your child can use Uber Kids. For example, you might allow rides only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., or only on school days. These settings are controlled entirely from your parent account, and your child cannot override them.
If you need to stop your child from using Uber Kids temporarily or permanently, you can pause or delete the profile from your account settings. You'll still be able to see the history of rides they've taken while the account was active.
Payment and what rides cost
All Uber Kids rides are charged to the payment method on your main Uber account. Your child does not need a separate payment method or credit card. You receive a receipt for each ride, and the charges appear on your regular Uber bill or credit card statement.
Pricing for Uber Kids rides is the same as regular Uber rides in your area — there is no additional fee for using the monitored account type. However, surge pricing still applies during busy times, so a ride might cost more during rush hour or bad weather.
You can set a spending limit or require approval for each ride if you want additional control over costs. Check your parent settings to see what payment controls are available in your location.
Safety features and driver screening
Uber conducts background checks on all drivers before they can use the platform, regardless of whether they're driving an Uber Kids passenger or an adult. Drivers who use Uber Kids are held to the same safety standards as all Uber drivers.
The real-time tracking feature is the primary safety tool for Uber Kids — you always know where your child is and who is driving them. Your child can also share their trip details with other trusted contacts through the app, so a friend or family member can follow along if needed.
Uber Kids does not replace your judgment as a parent. You should still talk to your child about ride safety, remind them to sit in the back seat, and make sure they know how to contact you or emergency services if something feels wrong.
What happens if your child misses a ride or cancels
If your child requests a ride and then cancels before the driver arrives, you'll be charged Uber's standard cancellation fee, which varies by location and how close the driver was to pickup. These fees typically range from a few dollars to around ten dollars, but check your local Uber app for exact amounts.
If your child requests a ride and the driver arrives but your child doesn't show up, the driver will wait for a few minutes before canceling. You'll be charged a no-show fee in addition to any cancellation fee. Make sure your child understands that requesting a ride is a commitment and that cancellations cost money.
You can review all ride history, including canceled and completed trips, in your parent account. This helps you track whether your child is using the service responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child use Uber Kids if they don't have their own phone?
Yes. Your child can use a shared device or a family tablet to access their Uber Kids profile. They just need to log in with their account credentials. However, they won't receive notifications on a device you're not carrying, so you'll see the trip information on your phone instead.
What if my child goes to a destination that isn't pre-approved?
Your child cannot request a ride to an unapproved destination through the Uber Kids app — the system won't let them. If they need to go somewhere new, they have to ask you to add it to the approved list first. You can add destinations anytime through your parent settings.
Can I see my child's ride history after the trip ends?
Yes. Your parent account shows a complete history of all rides your child has taken, including the date, time, pickup and dropoff locations, driver information, and cost. You can review this history anytime to see where your child has been traveling.
What if there's a problem during the ride?
You can contact Uber support through the app at any time during or after a ride. If your child feels unsafe, they should tell the driver to stop and contact you when ready. You can also call emergency services if there's a genuine safety concern. Uber has a safety feature in the app that lets you report issues directly to the platform.
Does Uber Kids work in other cities if we travel?
Uber Kids is only available in certain cities. If you travel to a city where it's not offered, your child won't be able to use their Uber Kids account. They would need to use a regular Uber account (if they're old enough) or you would need to request rides for them using your own account. Check the Uber app in your destination city to see what's available.