Uber may launch ride service for children as young as 10

Investing.com -- Uber Technologies is developing a service that would allow children between 10 and 12 years old to use its ride-hailing platform, according to code found in the latest version of the company's iOS app.

The planned feature would enable adult users to add a child in that age range to their Uber Family profile. The code shows that the family account holder could designate a trusted adult as a contact for the child and require an adult to be present when the ride begins or ends.

The code includes references to safety measures including background-checked drivers, pin verification and ride-tracking. These features are already part of Uber's existing service for teenage riders.

The company has not announced the service, and there is no confirmation that it will launch the feature. The engineering work suggests Uber is exploring the option.

If launched, the service would place Uber in direct competition with HopSkipDrive Inc., a private car service in the United States that provides rides for children as young as six for school transportation and other activities.

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