Title: Revel to End Moped Rental Program in New York City and San Francisco
Publication Date: November 5, 2023, 9:27 p.m. ET
Author: Allie Griffin
Brooklyn-based rideshare company Revel has announced the discontinuation of its flagship moped rental program in New York City and San Francisco. The decision comes as Revel aims to shift its focus towards its electric vehicle (EV) operations due to a decline in scooter ridership.
Revel, which initially started as an app-based moped share program in Bushwick back in 2018, plans to remove its fleet of 3,000 electric two-wheelers from the streets by November 18. In an email to all employees, Revel CEO and co-founder Frank Reig cited the strained service and reduced ridership as key factors in ending the pilot program.
Speaking to TechCrunch, Reig mentioned that Revel will now prioritize its electric vehicle taxis and charging businesses. Just days before the announcement, the company unveiled its third “Superhub” EV fast charging station in Queens, bringing the total number of charging plugs to 14. Revel also operates two “Superhub” stations in Brooklyn and has plans to develop stations in the Bay Area.
Revel launched its Tesla taxi service in New York City in the summer of 2021 and currently operates a fleet of 500 EVs, including Tesla and Kia Niro vehicles, which provide rides across the five boroughs and parts of northern New Jersey. By discontinuing the moped program, Revel is signaling an end to its shared moped services, having already withdrawn from markets in Washington, DC, and Miami in previous years.
Revel’s blue scooters were temporarily suspended in New York City in 2020 following three fatalities within a span of 10 days. The program was resumed after implementing additional safety measures and guidelines. However, the recent drop in moped ridership, approximately 30% in both cities compared to peak summer rides, has made it unsustainable for Revel to continue the program.
TechCrunch also reported that the decommissioned scooters will be sent to recycling facilities in both New York City and San Francisco over the next two weeks. As a result of the program’s end, approximately 67 staff members in Revel’s moped operations division will be laid off, though they will be eligible for severance packages.
Revel’s decision to focus on its EV operations reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. With the future of urban mobility in mind, Revel aims to further expand its EV taxi fleet and improve access to convenient charging stations.
In conclusion, Revel’s withdrawal from the moped rental program may come as a disappointment to some riders, but the shift towards EV operations aligns with the company’s long-term vision for environmentally conscious transportation options.