What Uber Teens is and who can use it
Uber Teens is a ride option within the Uber app that lets teenagers aged 13 to 17 request rides without a parent or guardian in the car. The teen books the ride themselves using their own Uber account, and an adult driver picks them up and drops them off. The ride is paid for through a parent's or guardian's payment method linked to the teen's account — the teen does not handle payment directly.
Uber Teens is available in select cities only. Not every market has rolled it out yet, and availability can change. You can check whether it is available in your area by opening the Uber app, tapping the account icon, and looking for Teens under Ride Options. If you do not see it, the feature is not yet available where you live.
The service is designed for teens who need independent transportation but whose parents want oversight and control. Parents set up the account, choose which payment method to use, and can see ride history and receive notifications when a ride starts and ends.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Teens lets teenagers aged 13 to 17 book their own rides, but a parent or guardian must set up and fund the account.
- The service is only available in certain cities, and you need to check the Uber app to see if it works in your area.
- Parents can see when rides start and end, receive notifications, and set spending limits or other restrictions through the app.
- Drivers are the same professional Uber drivers as any other ride; Uber does not assign special drivers to teen passengers.
- The teen does not need a payment method of their own — the parent's card or account balance covers all costs.
How to set up an Uber Teens account
The parent or guardian creates the account. Open the Uber app on your phone, go to Account, and select Teens. You will be asked to confirm the teen's age and add them to your account. Uber will ask for the teen's name and may ask for their date of birth to verify they fall within the 13 to 17 age range.
Once you add the teen, they can download the Uber app on their own phone and log in using the account credentials you set up. The teen will see the Teens option when they open the app and request a ride. All rides booked under the Teens option are charged to the payment method you linked when you created the account — typically a debit or credit card.
You can manage the account from your own phone. The Uber app lets you view ride history, see where the teen is during a ride, and receive push notifications when a ride starts and ends. Some parents also set spending limits or restrict which hours the teen can book rides, depending on what Uber offers in your city.
What the ride costs and how payment works
Uber Teens rides are priced the same way as regular Uber rides in your area — the cost depends on distance, time of day, and current demand. Surge pricing applies during busy times, just as it does for adult passengers. You will see the estimated fare before the teen confirms the ride, so there are no surprise charges.
The parent's payment method is charged automatically when the ride ends. You can check the charge in your Uber account history and on your credit card or bank statement. If you want to set a daily or weekly spending limit, check your account settings to see if that option is available in your city.
Tipping is optional and can be added in the app after the ride is complete. The teen can tip the driver if they choose to, and the tip is added to the parent's payment method.
Safety features and driver information
Uber Teens rides use the same drivers and safety features as regular Uber rides. Drivers are background-checked and rated by passengers. The teen can see the driver's name, photo, vehicle information, and real-time location before the ride starts, just like any other Uber passenger.
Parents receive notifications when a ride begins and when it ends, which lets you know the teen has been picked up and dropped off safely. You can also view the route the driver took in your ride history. If a ride is cancelled or does not start as expected, you will be notified.
Uber's safety features — including the ability to share your ride with a trusted contact, emergency assistance through the app, and driver ratings — are all available to teen passengers. The teen can contact Uber support directly if they have a problem during a ride.
What happens if the teen cancels or the driver cancels
If the teen cancels a ride before the driver arrives, there is usually no charge. Uber's standard cancellation policy applies: if the driver has already started heading to the pickup location, a small cancellation fee may be charged, typically a few dollars depending on your city.
If the driver cancels after accepting the ride, the teen is not charged. The teen can request another ride immediately. If a driver cancels repeatedly or does not show up, you can contact Uber support to report the issue.
If the teen is not ready when the driver arrives, the driver may cancel after waiting a few minutes. Uber charges a wait fee in this case, which varies by city. Make sure the teen knows to be ready at the pickup location when the ride is confirmed.
Restrictions and rules for teen riders
Teens using Uber Teens must follow the same community guidelines as adult passengers. They are expected to treat the driver and vehicle with respect, not eat or drink in the car unless the driver permits it, and not damage the vehicle. Drivers can rate passengers, and repeated low ratings or reports of bad behavior can result in account suspension.
Uber does not allow teens to book rides for other people. Each teen account is for that individual teen only. If a teen tries to book a ride for a friend, the ride may be cancelled and the account could be suspended.
Some cities may have additional rules about teen riders — for example, restrictions on what time of day a teen can book a ride, or requirements that the destination be a certain distance from home. Check your local Uber Teens settings to see what rules apply in your area.
What to do if there is a problem with a ride
If the teen has a problem during a ride — the driver is rude, takes a wrong route, or the teen feels unsafe — they can contact Uber support directly through the app. Open the active ride, tap the Help button, and select the issue. Uber will respond and can take action with the driver if needed.
Parents can also contact Uber support on behalf of the teen. You can report a problem through your account, and Uber will investigate. If a driver violated community guidelines or safety policies, Uber may deactivate the driver or take other action.
If you are charged incorrectly or believe there was an error with a ride, you can request a refund through the app. Go to your ride history, select the ride in question, tap Help, and choose the refund option. Uber will review the request and respond within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12-year-old use Uber Teens?
No. Uber Teens is for ages 13 to 17 only. Uber verifies the teen's age when the account is created. If your child is under 13, they cannot use this service.
What if my teen loses their phone or forgets it at home?
The teen will not be able to book a ride without the Uber app on their phone. They would need to use a parent's phone to request a ride, or arrange transportation another way. Make sure your teen keeps their phone charged and with them when they need a ride.
Can I see exactly where my teen is during a ride?
Yes. The Uber app shows you the route in real time while the ride is happening. You can see the pickup location, the destination, and the driver's current location on a map. Once the ride ends, you can view the full route in your ride history.
What if the driver asks the teen for cash or payment?
This should not happen. All Uber Teens rides are prepaid through the parent's account. If a driver asks for cash or additional payment, this is against Uber policy. Tell your teen to refuse and report it to Uber immediately through the app.
Is Uber Teens available everywhere?
No. Uber Teens is only available in select cities. Availability varies by region and can change over time. Open your Uber app and check the Ride Options section to see if Teens is available in your area.