The Best “Uber for Kids” (Overview)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
1. HopSkipDrive
- Diverse Ride Options: Flexible services including individual, recurring, and carpool rides.
- Real-Time Tracking and Safety: Track trips, receive alerts, and view driver ratings.
- Wide Accessibility: Available in multiple states and supports various communities.
2. Kango
- Combined Transportation and Childcare: Offers both driving and childcare services.
- Personalized Service: Opportunity to meet drivers/sitters before use.
- Flexible Accompaniment: Option for parents or caregivers to join rides.
3. Zūm
- Extensive Availability: Operates in multiple states including Arizona, Illinois, Texas, Florida, and parts of California.
- Driver Customization: Parents can select preferred drivers for their family.
- Child-Friendly App: Kids can verify drivers and track rides in real-time.
4. Zemcar
- Enhanced Safety Features: Real-time ride watching and live recording.
- Personalized Driver Selection: Build a 'Circle of Trust' with preferred drivers.
- Ride Flexibility: Offers both one-way and recurring ride options.
Does Uber Have Guidelines for Kids?
Yes, Uber does allow kids to ride but with guidelines for safety. Minors under 18 must be with an adult and cannot hold an account. Drivers may ask for ID and can contact emergency services if needed.
Kids can still use Uber when they are riding with a parent or guardian, and Uber is generally very kid-friendly.
Drivers are more likely to be patient as they want a good review from passengers, so will usually take extra time and care compared to a taxi.
In some cases, drivers may even carry small candies for kids or will put on the Kidz Bop radio station. It can be these little things that make or break a ride, especially when traveling with tired little ones!
Another feature of Uber that benefits those traveling with kids is being able to specify what size vehicle you need for your ride when requesting it.
For example, Uber XL is a great option for families with multiple children and lots of luggage.
Safety Features On Using Uber For Kids
1. Car Seats
Traveling with young children often means navigating car seat requirements. In the U.S., all states have laws mandating child safety seats. While Uber might be exempt in some states, it’s crucial to verify local laws.
Drivers may decline passengers without proper child seats to avoid legal issues. The simplest solution is to bring your own car seat, ensuring it’s one you can install swiftly.
For those in New York, Uber offers a CarSeat service for an additional $10, suitable for children 2-6 years old, under 48 pounds and 52 inches tall.
Availability can vary, but with Uber Reserve launched in 2023, you can book these car seat-equipped rides up to 90 days in advance—ideal for family trips from the airport.
Below, find some recommended car seats for family travel.
Name of Product | Age | Description |
---|---|---|
Doona Infant Car Seat | 12 – 15 months | Rear-facing car seat that converts to a stroller on arrival. 5-point harness with 3-layer side impact protection. |
WAYB Pico Car Seat | 2 – 5 years | Super compact travel car seat with 5-point harness. Forward facing. |
RideSafer Travel Vest | 3 years + | Lightweight portable travel vest crash tested and safety verified. |
Bubble Bum Travel Booster Seat | 4 years + | Inflatable booster seat perfect for traveling. When deflated it fits easily into travel bags. |
Two other built-in safety features in the Uber app are Share Trip Status and the Safety Agent. These features provide that extra peace of mind when riding with children or traveling alone.
Share Trip Status allows you to share your ride live with your loved ones so they can keep track of where you are. You can either share the trip status during a ride or pre-select 5 contacts to see your trips live whenever you use Uber.
Uber also has an online safety agent that can be accessed through just one click on the app.
If you feel uncomfortable during your ride but are not in any immediate danger, you can click on the shield icon on the Uber app to contact the safety agent.
You can then get help on the phone or silently through text, and they can also call 911 for you if necessary.
3. Uber Family Profile
Uber accounts allow the option for Family Profiles which have benefits for certain audiences. Family profiles allow you to add more than one Uber profile to one account.
This means all rides will be paid for from one account’s payment method but can be ordered from multiple profiles, which is perfect for babysitters, assistants, children at university, and more.
The best part is your credit card details are never revealed to the other profiles so your privacy is still protected; it’s an easy way to manage transport for the whole family.
Uber Alternatives For Kids
While Uber is a kid-friendly transport option, those under 18 years of age cannot travel alone.
This makes Uber a great choice for holidays, but not so much for day-to-day school and sports runs. Zūm and HopSkipDrive are two companies that work with schools and parents to combat this issue.
How to Become an “Uber for Kids” Driver
The process to becoming an “Uber for Kids” driver isn’t as simple as the process for traditional Uber drivers, but you’re guaranteed to earn far more after investing your time.
The majority of these platforms claim that drivers can earn over $30 per hour, which is certainly believable due to the higher cost of their services.
Before you can start earning, you must fulfill a set of requirements that can slightly differ but are fairly similar across platforms. Requirements include:
- Minimum age requirements that range from 21 to 23 years old
- Vehicles must have four doors, and the oldest models allowed range from 10 to 14 years old
- Vehicles must pass a 19-point vehicle inspection
- Drivers must have three to five years of childcare experience
- Drivers on all platforms must pass multiple forms of background checks
All of this goes to ensure that drivers are not only trustworthy but also great at engaging children and keeping them happy.
Still, safety is always a priority when working with children, which is why every platform has additional, unique screening methods to give busy parents peace of mind.
For example, HopSkipDrive and Zūm require a face-to-face meeting at the beginning of the driver vetting process, Zemcar requires two references, and Kango requires an in-person training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I expect an “Uber for kids” service in my area?
The availability of an “Uber for kids” service in your area depends on its expansion plans, with a focus on larger cities first. Expect a gradual rollout due to the rigorous driver vetting required for child safety.
2. How much should I tip my driver?
Tipping your driver is at your discretion, as children’s rideshare services ensure drivers are well-compensated. However, occasional tips for exceptional service can strengthen your rapport with regular drivers.
3. Are there age requirements for “Uber for Kids” services?
“Uber for Kids” services vary in age requirements for unaccompanied minors: Kango starts at age two, Zūm at five, HopSkipDrive at six, and Zemcar at eight. Additionally, younger children may need to ride in the back seat.
Book Free Time in Your Schedule
Uber is an excellent, kid-friendly transport option when traveling – especially when you’re on holiday.
The platform has multiple guidelines and features that ensure the safety of you and your children when riding.
However, under-18s cannot travel on Uber alone, so for everyday transport there are other options available such as Zūm and HopSkipDrive that may be more suitable.