Uber does not have a separate app or account type for teenagers, but teens aged 13 to 17 can ride in an Uber if a parent or guardian sets up the account and monitors trips through the Uber app

Uber's standard account is designed for adults 18 and older. However, Uber does allow younger passengers to use the service under parental supervision. The parent creates and pays for the account, and can see where their teenager is going, who is driving them, and how much the trip costs. Teens cannot create their own Uber account or request rides independently — the parent controls the account and approves each trip.

This arrangement differs from Uber's teen-focused feature in some cities, which lets parents add a teen to a family account with limited permissions. Availability of this feature varies by location and changes over time, so you should check your local Uber app to see what options exist in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must create and own the Uber account; the teenager cannot have their own account until age 18.
  • The parent can see the teen's pickup and dropoff locations, the driver's name and vehicle details, and the trip cost in real time.
  • Payment comes from the parent's payment method on file, so the teen does not need a credit card or debit card.
  • Some cities offer a family account feature that lets parents add teens with restricted permissions, but this is not available everywhere.
  • Uber's standard safety features — driver ratings, emergency contact options, and trip sharing — apply to all riders regardless of age.

How a parent sets up an account for a teenager

Download the Uber app and create an account using your own email address and phone number. Add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account). Once your account is active, you can request rides for your teenager from your phone, or hand your phone to them to request a ride while you remain the account owner and payer.

If your city supports Uber's family account feature, you may see an option in the app settings to add a family member. This feature, when available, lets you create a separate profile for your teen with restrictions on who they can ride with or where they can go. Check the app's settings or help section to see if this option is turned on in your area.

What information parents can see about their teen's rides

The Uber app shows the account owner (the parent) the pickup and dropoff locations for every trip, the driver's name, photo, vehicle type, and license plate, the estimated and actual trip cost, and the date and time of the ride. You can also see the driver's rating and read passenger reviews of that driver.

If you enable trip sharing in the app, you can send a link to another trusted adult (like a grandparent or other parent) so they can also track the ride in real time. This feature is useful if your teen is riding alone and you want a second person to know where they are.

Safety features that apply to teen riders

All Uber riders, including teenagers, can access the emergency button in the app to contact emergency services directly. The app also displays the driver's background check status and allows you to report safety concerns after a trip. Drivers are required to maintain a minimum rating (usually 4.6 stars or higher, depending on location), and riders can see this rating before accepting a ride.

You can also set up emergency contacts in your Uber account so that if something goes wrong, the driver or Uber support can reach a trusted adult immediately. Review these settings before your teen's first ride.

Cost and payment for teen rides

Uber charges the same fares for teen riders as for adult riders in the same location at the same time. Pricing depends on demand, distance, and time of day — not on the age of the passenger. The charge appears on the payment method linked to the parent's account, so there is no separate billing for the teenager.

Some parents set a budget or allowance for their teen's rides and monitor the app to track spending. Uber does not offer a built-in allowance or spending limit feature, so this tracking happens outside the app.

Age requirements and account restrictions

Teenagers aged 13 to 17 can ride in an Uber as long as a parent or guardian owns and controls the account. Uber does not allow teens to create their own account until they turn 18. If a teenager tries to sign up independently, the app will ask for their birthdate and will not allow account creation if they are under 18.

Some cities may have additional local rules about unaccompanied minors in rideshare vehicles. Check your city or county's transportation regulations to see if there are age-related restrictions on solo teen rides.

What happens if a teen tries to use Uber without parental permission

A teenager cannot request an Uber ride without access to an active account. If they do not have the parent's phone or login credentials, they cannot order a ride. If a teen creates a fake account using false information, Uber can deactivate it, and the account holder may face restrictions on future use.

If you are concerned that your teen is using Uber without your knowledge, check your account's trip history and payment method regularly. You can also enable notifications in the app so you receive an alert every time a ride is requested from your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my teenager ride alone in an Uber, or does an adult have to be in the car?

Uber does not require an adult to be present in the vehicle. Your teenager can ride alone as long as you, the account owner, have approved the trip. However, some cities have local laws restricting unaccompanied minors in rideshare vehicles, so check your area's rules before allowing solo rides.

What if my teenager loses my phone or forgets the account password?

If your teen has your phone, they can request a ride as long as they are logged into your account. If they lose the phone, they cannot order a ride. If you forget the password, use the "Forgot password" option on the Uber login screen to reset it via email or phone number.

Can I set a limit on how much my teenager spends on Uber rides?

Uber does not have a built-in spending limit or allowance feature. You can monitor spending by checking the trip history and payment method in your account regularly, or you can set a personal budget with your teen and review charges together each week.

Does Uber have a teen-only mode or restricted account type?

Some cities offer a family account feature that lets you add a teen profile with certain restrictions, but this is not available everywhere. Check your Uber app's settings to see if this option is turned on in your location. If it is not available, the standard parental account method is your only option.

What should I do if I am uncomfortable with a driver my teenager is about to ride with?

You can cancel the ride before the driver arrives. After the ride, you can report safety concerns through the app and rate the driver accordingly. If you have serious concerns about a driver, contact Uber support through the app to report the issue.