Tesla Cybercab bars kids under 13 as scrutiny grows

Key Points:

• Tesla's Cybercab, a two-seater autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, has launched in Austin, Texas, relying entirely on AI and cameras for driving, but federal safety regulators have initiated an investigation into its certification for U.S. roads.
• The Cybercab has unique passenger restrictions, prohibiting children under 13 and requiring adults to accompany teens aged 13-17, differing from Tesla's Model Y Robotaxi service which allows younger children to ride with adults.
• Notably, the Cybercab lacks LATCH child-seat anchors, requiring booster seats to be secured by seat belts, and features safety measures such as an emergency Stop button, mechanical door releases, and automatic responses in case of collisions.
• The vehicle employs electronic brake-by-wire technology instead of traditional hydraulic brakes, and its windows cannot be fully opened, with controls located beneath the center touchscreen rather than on the doors.
• Tesla advises passengers to familiarize themselves with safety features before riding, while the ongoing NHTSA audit reflects regulatory scrutiny due to the vehicle's unconventional design, emphasizing the need to prove its reliability and safety in real-world conditions.