Lyft launched teen accounts nationwide this week, entering direct competition with Uber's established youth service.
The ride-hailing company rolled out supervised accounts for passengers aged 13 to 17 across 200 major markets. Parents can now set up rides for teenagers through the Lyft app with built-in safety controls.
Uber introduced its teen accounts in May 2023 and has since expanded the service to more than 50 countries. Both platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, though availability varies by location.
Lyft CEO David Risher said the company took extra time to develop the feature due to safety and regulatory concerns. "We wanted to get it right," Risher told CNBC. "We've been really thoughtful as we've talked to parents and teens to come up with a product that meets what they both want."
The new Lyft Teen Accounts include pin verification, real-time tracking, and ride recordings. Drivers must maintain high star ratings and cannot have been blocked by a significant number of riders to qualify for teen trips.
Risher emphasized the company's cautious approach in a press release.
"Teens will always want independence," he said. "Parents will always want them safe. And families will always need affordable transportation that works for their lives."
Lyft's entry into the teen market comes as both companies expand into autonomous vehicles. Lyft plans to add autonomous shuttles made by Austrian manufacturer Benteler Group to its network in late 2026.
Uber and Lyft also announced partnerships with Chinese tech company Baidu to test robotaxis in London next year. The companies await regulatory approval to begin testing dozens of autonomous vehicles, with plans to scale to hundreds.
The teen account rollout follows regulatory challenges for both companies. In November 2023, New York Attorney General Letitia James secured $328 million from Uber and Lyft for taking earnings from drivers. Uber paid $290 million while Lyft paid $38 million in the settlement.
California lawmakers announced support for legislation in August 2025 that would empower gig workers and improve rideshare affordability. The agreement affects more than 800,000 California drivers working for Uber and Lyft.
Lyft's teen service arrives more than two years after Uber's nationwide launch. Both companies now offer parents supervised ride options for teenagers across most major U.S. markets.
