Credit: Denis Omelchenko / Shutterstock.com

Shuddle, the family-oriented car service created by Sidecar co-founder Nick Allen, has launched a new mobile app called ShuddleMe that will allow kids to schedule rides for themselves. With parent authorization, teens and tweens will now be able to book on-demand rides from their smartphones.

Silicon Valley-based Shuddle has long attempted to appeal to busy families, distinguishing it from other car service companies like Uber and Lyft.

Shuddle drivers have specialized insurance that allows them to transport customers under 18 and undergo more extensive training, background, and reference checks than drivers for other companies. Amid concerns with other car services, this helps ensure that drivers can be trusted to safely deliver children in the absence of a parent.

Moreover, Shuddle drivers are expected to play a role close to that of a nanny, for example going into schools and other places to collect passengers and sign them out. As a result, nearly 99% of Shuddle’s drivers are women, often coming from the women-dominated nanny profession, TechCrunch reports.

However, until now, only parents and caregivers could schedule rides, which Allen says didn’t always work with kids’ ever-changing schedules.

“We wanted to create a kids version because by nature, teens and tweens have more flexibility and unpredictability in their schedules and need an app that is more or less on-demand,” Allen told TechCrunch. “With ShuddleMe, kids can book a ride up to an hour in advance, meaning they can book a ride in the morning to meet their friends for a movie in the afternoon. Once a request is made, parents will be prompted to approve or decline the ride.”

According to TechCrunch, the new app includes a number of features that will keep parents and caregivers appraised of their children’s safety. In addition to the ability to approve/decline rides, parents will receive driver info, including a bio, photo and car information. Moreover, they can track the ride using their app, receive an ETA and can contact Shuddle company support at any time. Once the ride is finished, parents can pay from their app so their kids don’t have to walk around with money.

Allen projects that this service will be used by kids between 8 and 16, but it will be available to anyone who’s comfortable riding without parental supervision, has their own phone, can exit and enter the vehicle with limited assistance and can legally ride without a booster seat.

Unlike Uber and Lyft, in addition to fares based on mileage and time, Shuddle has a monthly membership fee of $9, which it attributes to its more intensive training and background checks. Though the fee may be a turnoff for people seeking a simple car service, parents will likely be more willing to pay to ensure safe transportation for their kids.

The company currently operates mainly around the Bay Area, but hopes to use the $9.6 million it collected in Series A Funding earlier this year to expand.

The ShuddleMe app is available now on Google play and an iOS version is coming to the app store soon.

Credit: Denis Omelchenko / Shutterstock.com
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