RIDEGURU
Who would be taking my kid? Rideshares for Children and Toddlers?
Ask a RideGuru
Questions from riders and drivers answered by our Ride Gurus and Rideshare Experts
Anonymous
Ride Master
Real questions from RideGuru anonymous users.
Popular Links
- Maximum Ridesharing Profits
- Fare Estimator
- Rideshare 101
- Sign up for UberAd
- Sign up for Uber EatsAd
- Sign up for Lyft - $5 offAd
Hot Forum Topics
The Guru Take
Specialty services needed for children
Rideshares/Ridehails
Currently, mainstream rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do NOT allow unaccompanied children and minors to utilize their services. Minors cannot possess accounts with Uber or Lyft, and drivers are prohibited to pick up unaccompanied minors. (Say, in an instance where the parents call one for them)
Whether this practice is illegal (for parents or drivers) depends on the state laws. Companies generally do not transport minors due to liability and insurance reasons.
There are specialty rideshare companies that do have insurance and are designed to serve minors. HopSkipDrive is one of them, and there is an article about other services here:
Rideshare Services for Children
If you are concerned about the car seat / safety seat situation, take a look at this thread here:
Can I get a car with a car seat?
Taxis / Limos
Taxis and Limo are usually more flexible for transporting minors. Generally, there are no laws prohibiting taxi drivers and limo servies to pick up unaccompanied minors (Of course, the guardians/parents remain responsible for the children's safety, but this is true even while not on a taxi.) You want to be checking with the taxi or limo companies on their policies and logistics.
Good luck!
Comments
An Uber or Lyft driver is not a babysitter. I would suggest hiring someone specifically for your child's driver, say, a nanny, college student, grandma, etc. Otherwise, if your child is older, carpooling amongst friends parents may be an option.
Here's an article:
https://www.taxifarefinder.com/newsroom/2015/08/11/are-minors-allowed-in-a-taxi-or-uber-without-a-guardian/?lang=en
This is a bit different, but if your children are with you, you may want a car seat for your infacts, toddlers, and children. Here's a good thread:
https://ride.guru/lounge/p/does-uber-ever-carry-car-seats-for-children
Traditional Ridesharing is not designed for child safety. Uber and Lyft's terms and conditions specify you must be 18 or over to use the service, and minors must travel accompanied by an adult.
Check-out www.sheprd.com for a mobility solution designed with kids and families in mind!