Uber’s potential ‘Tween’ feature could extend rides to kids aged 10–12

Uber has yet to officially announce a new feature in its latest iOS app, but developers have uncovered hints pointing to an exciting update. According to code within the app, the ride-hailing company may soon allow adults to add “tweens”, children aged 10 to 12, to their Uber Family profiles.

This would mark the youngest age group the company has considered serving directly.

Bloomberg reported the discovery, although Uber has not confirmed any details or provided a launch date. The code suggests that adults managing family accounts would have several safety controls.

For instance, they could designate a trusted adult as a contact for the tween during trips and may require a responsible adult to be present at both pick-up and drop-off locations.

This indicates a focus on safety, as Uber appears to be developing a monitored experience for younger riders, rather than allowing them to ride alone.

Also read: Uber cuts 10% of customer service workforce in major AI push

Currently, the company offers a service called Uber for Teens for users aged 13 to 17, which includes live trip tracking, audio recording during rides, and driver matching restrictions for added safety. If launched, the new ‘tween’ feature would extend these safety measures to an even younger audience.

Uber’s big idea that comes with safety questions

The reasoning behind this idea is simple. Parents already rely on Uber to transport their teenagers. By extending this service to children aged 10 to 12, Uber can tap into a market that many families are looking to address: school runs, after-school activities, and visits to friends, especially in situations where a parent may not always be available to drive.

A 16-year-old can travel alone, but a 10-year-old needs more supervision. If an adult must be present during pick-up and drop-off, it may not be much different from a parent arranging the ride themselves.

The ride-hailing company has faced safety issues with adult passengers, and the risks are higher when it involves kids. Important questions need to be addressed regarding how they ensure adult supervision, how they screen drivers, and what happens if there’s a problem during the ride.

In Nigeria, where parents face challenges with school transportation and safe ride options for children, this service could be very helpful if implemented correctly. However, there’s no room for mistakes when dealing with child passengers. Uber has not commented on this potential service yet.