Tesla has updated the terms and conditions for its Robotaxi service in Texas and California, introducing some key changes that expand both passenger capacity and age eligibility.
Increased Passenger Capacity
Until now, Tesla Robotaxis were limited to carrying a maximum of two riders at a time. Under the revised policy, which was updated last week, the vehicles can now accommodate up to three passengers per trip. While this doesn’t transform the Robotaxi into a full ride-sharing van, the additional seat makes the service more flexible for small groups, families, and friends who want to travel together without needing to book multiple rides.
The change also positions Tesla more competitively against traditional ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Lyft, where groups of three or more are a common booking size. For Tesla, ensuring that Robotaxi trips are efficient and appealing to more than just solo riders is key to adoption as it scales up.
New Age Guidelines for Teen Riders
Tesla has also revised its age requirements. Previously, anyone under 18 years old was prohibited from boarding a Robotaxi. The updated policy now allows guests between the ages of 13 and 17 to ride, provided they have parental or legal guardian consent.
This shift widens the potential customer base, particularly for families looking for safe and affordable mobility options for teenagers. With many cities struggling to balance teen transit access with safety concerns, Tesla’s consent-based policy provides a middle ground.
Parents can authorize their teens to use the service, offering a level of oversight while giving young riders more independence.
Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout
Tesla’s latest updates make autonomous mobility more accessible and practical for everyday life. By opening rides to teens with parental consent and expanding capacity to three passengers, the company is broadening its reach and appeal.
As the Robotaxi service scales beyond pilot markets, these adjustments could help Tesla capture a wider share of urban transportation and reinforce its position as a trailblazer in the race toward a fully autonomous future.