Car Seat FAQ

At Uber, we take your child’s safety seriously. That’s why we work with Safe Kids Worldwide to provide training to Uber driver-partners in New York City on how to properly install and use IMMI GO car seats. Drivers are free to use these seats on all trips requiring a car seat, including trips booked through other apps that don’t provide a car seat.

Who makes the IMMI GO seat, and does it meet safety standards?

IMMI is an industry leader in the manufacturing of straps, buckles, and LATCH hardware for many of the car seats in the US. The IMMI GO is lightweight, easy to install, and flexible for children of different ages. Plus, because it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, it offers safety-minded parents the added protection they want for their children.

Do Uber driver-partners know how to install the car seat the correct way?

Drivers are trained by Safe Kids Worldwide to know how to properly, and safely, install the car seats. They receive informational written materials and instructional videos produced specifically for this seat and program. Drivers in NYC also meet with a CPS (Child Passenger Safety) Technician who has been certified by Safe Kids Worldwide. Drivers must demonstrate that they can install the IMMI GO seat properly in their own vehicle and can secure a child safely in the seat (in case a parent needs help securing their child). 

What is Safe Kids Worldwide, and what is its relationship with Uber?

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to protect kids on the move, at home and at play. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the US and partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings, and more. Uber works with Safe Kids Worldwide to provide training to Uber driver-partners in New York City on how to properly install and use IMMI GO car seats. 

How do I know the car seat hasn’t expired?

These seats expire after 6 years. Drivers are responsible for making sure they get new seats from Uber by the expiration date. If they need help or have questions, they can contact Uber.

Who is in charge of maintaining the car seat?

Just as Uber driver-partners take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of their own vehicles, each driver takes responsibility for maintaining the car seat.

Who can ride in an IMMI GO seat?

You (the parent, guardian, or caregiver) are responsible for ensuring that your child meets all of the following minimum criteria, which are required to ride in the IMMI GO:

You (the parent, guardian, or caregiver) are also responsible for ensuring that a child doesn’t ride in the IMMI GO after they’ve reached any of the following limits:

What if my child is too small for the IMMI GO?

Children who are too small to ride in the IMMI GO need to ride in a rear-facing car seat. While any rear-facing seat can go in any vehicle on the Uber network, some will work better than others. For safety reasons, you’ll want a seat that can be installed easily and securely without its base (as you likely won’t want to carry that around). And for convenience, you might want a seat that fits onto a stroller.

What if my child is too big for the IMMI GO?

Children who are too big for the IMMI GO need to instead use a booster seat, which will allow for the seat belt to be properly positioned on their hips, chest, and collarbones.

Who will install the car seat?

Each Uber driver-partner has been trained by a CPS (Child Passenger Safety) Technician certified by Safe Kids Worldwide on how to install the seat in their car. Parents are also welcome to learn how to install the IMMI GO seat by watching this video.

Where in the car will the seat be installed?

Uber driver-partners have been trained by Safe Kids Worldwide to install the car seat in one of the back seats. If the vehicle has a third row, the seat should be installed in the second row. You may notice that in one car the driver installs the seat on the driver’s side, while in another car the driver installs the seat in the center or on the passenger’s side. In each case, the driver has been specifically trained by Safe Kids Worldwide about appropriate car seat installation.

How is the IMMI GO installed?

The seat will be installed using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and/or by using seat belts (for when the car seat is placed in the middle back seat). We’ve chosen the most conservative weight limit for the lower anchors—which, for the IMMI GO seat, is 48 pounds. Please note: the weight limit for your child’s personal seat may vary. Always read the car seat owner’s manual.

You (the parent, guardian, or caregiver) will be responsible for securing the child in the harness straps. Please watch this video before you request a ride with Uber Car Seat. The straps on this seat may tighten differently than you’ve seen before (they tighten like a race car driver’s harness). Note: the seat will usually arrive with the shoulder straps in their highest setting and as loose as possible. You’ll need to lower the straps and tighten as appropriate, depending on the size of your child.

Parents running around with kids are often already short on time. In addition to safety considerations, we chose IMMI GO in part because it installs very quickly and easily, not adding more than about 5 minutes to your Uber request. 

Dirt: Yes, kids can be messy. But the IMMI GO seat is prepared for nearly anything, with a fabric cover that’s the same heavy-duty Naugahyde used on many vehicle seats. It’s comfortable, durable, and cleans easily with water.

Food and allergies: Please be mindful that many children today have severe food allergies. Because we want this to be a safe ride for all kids, the driver may ask you to use a wet wipe to clean your child’s hands if they’ve been eating before getting in the car. We also kindly ask that snack time be postponed until after the trip has ended.

Germs: We understand your concern for keeping the seat clean, but we do ask that parents not use any wipes (such as Lysol, Purell, or even diaper wipes) to wipe down the seats. The acids and chemicals are strong enough to degrade the car seat’s straps and plastic, and therefore they could reduce the level of safety the seats provide.

Buckling up your child is important—but please remember to use your own seat belt also. Safety isn’t just for kids. Making sure everyone buckles up, even adults in the back seat, helps keep everyone safer.