Ride-hailing apps target teens, younger kids as they set out to replace neighborhood car pools

A ride-hailing service that caters to youngsters is allowing them to book their own rides when mom and dad are too busy to drive.

Shuddle is one of a number of new companies that provide rides to eight- to 16-year-old kids who need to get to school, a sporting event or a social activity. On Tuesday it's introducing ShuddleMe, an app that lets the kids book the ride themselves within an hour of when the service is needed.

Before this, parents had to arrange for the car, and do so at least a day in advance. ShuddleMe still requires parental approval.

Shuddle says its drivers undergo background checks and must either be parents or have previous experience working with kids as nannies, baby sitters, coaches or nurses.