Uber Tests Teen-Focused Accounts in India: A Step Towards Safer and Smarter Rides

Uber Expands Services with Uber for Teens in India

Uber has introduced its Uber for Teens service in India, allowing teenagers aged 13 to 17 to book rides independently. The service is currently being piloted in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai. In the coming weeks, the company plans to expand it to 35 cities, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune.

This move comes as the company aims to enhance its services in India, where local rivals like Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri, and BluSmart are competing for market share. The ride-hailing company has already rolled out new features tailored to Indian consumers, such as flexible pricing and prepaid pickups.

How Uber for Teens Works

The new service allows parents and guardians to create accounts for their teenagers under a family profile. Teenagers can then book rides directly using their own devices. The service includes essential safety features such as live trip tracking and opt-in audio recording, ensuring that guardians stay informed about their child’s journey.

Guardians can also set monthly trip limits, giving them control over the number of rides a teenager can take. The booking process requires a guardian to add a credit or debit card to their family profile. However, once the teen’s account is active, they can pay for rides using any method, including cash.

Safety Measures for Teenage Riders

Uber has implemented additional background checks on drivers handling teen rides to enhance safety. Another key feature allows teenagers to bring along fellow passengers aged between 13 and 17. However, Uber has not yet clarified how parental consent will work for additional riders.

The company’s focus on safety aims to provide peace of mind for parents while offering greater independence for teens. These features make it easier for young passengers to commute without depending on their guardians for every trip.

Global Expansion and Success of Uber for Teens

Uber for Teens has already been introduced in about 50 countries. The service launched in the U.S. and Canada nearly two years ago, and its expansion into India marks a significant step in Uber’s growth strategy. In some markets, Uber even allows teens to have separate profiles and use their own payment methods.

With India being one of Uber’s largest markets, the addition of Uber for Teens is expected to attract more users, especially families looking for a reliable transport option for their children.

Why This Move Matters for Indian Commuters

In recent months, Uber has introduced several India-specific changes, including allowing concurrent rides and removing commissions on auto-rickshaw bookings. With this new service the company is addressing the needs of families who want a secure and controlled way for their teenagers to travel.

This expansion could also push local competitors to introduce similar teen-friendly ride options, making the overall market more competitive. As Uber continues to refine its services in India, users can expect more tailored solutions for their daily transportation needs.

Final Thoughts

The service brings convenience and safety together, giving young passengers more independence while ensuring parents stay in control. The pilot in India marks a significant milestone, and with its planned expansion, more cities will soon benefit from this feature. As competition among ride-hailing services intensifies, Indian commuters can look forward to more innovations in the space.