Revel, the electric moped service, has announced that it will be ending its operations in both New York City and San Francisco. CEO and co-founder, Frank Reig, sent out an email to all company employees, stating that the service has been strained and that ridership has declined significantly. Revel has also reached out to its customers, notifying them that the service will be shutting down on November 18th and encouraging them to use any remaining account credits before that date.
According to reports, Revel had previously pulled its service out of other markets in 2022, leaving only around 3,000 mopeds operational in NYC and San Francisco. A spokesperson from the company revealed that ridership in both cities had decreased by 30% compared to the previous year, making it unsustainable to continue operating the moped sharing service.
Revel has had a turbulent history with its moped service, temporarily suspending it several times due to safety concerns. In 2020, the company made the difficult decision to suspend the service after a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two customers. Following this incident, Revel implemented additional safety measures, including mandatory in-app safety tests and requiring riders to take a selfie wearing a helmet before starting their ride. The service was eventually reinstated.
Furthermore, Revel faced another setback when it had to remove its mopeds from the Bronx for over a year due to a series of battery thefts that posed a significant risk to riders and the community. These challenges likely contributed to the declining ridership and the ultimately unsustainable nature of the moped service.
However, Revel is not abandoning its entire business model. Going forward, the company will shift its focus to its EV ride-hailing service, which will continue to operate with employee drivers across all five boroughs of New York. This service provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ride-hailing services and aligns with Revel’s vision for sustainable transportation in urban areas.
Additionally, Revel plans to expand its EV fast-charging station network in both New York and the Bay Area. This expansion aims to address the growing need for convenient and accessible charging infrastructure as more electric vehicles hit the roads. By investing in EV charging stations, Revel hopes to support the adoption of electric vehicles and further promote sustainable transportation options.
The decision to discontinue the electric moped service is undoubtedly a significant development for Revel. However, by focusing on its EV ride-hailing service and expanding its charging infrastructure, the company is positioning itself to adapt to the changing demands of the transportation industry. As the world increasingly moves towards sustainable and electric modes of transportation, Revel’s strategic shift could prove to be a wise decision for its long-term success.
In conclusion, Revel has decided to end its electric moped service in New York City and San Francisco due to declining ridership and sustainability concerns. The company will now concentrate on its EV ride-hailing service and plans to expand its EV fast-charging station network. This shift aligns with Revel’s commitment to sustainable transportation and positions the company for future success in the evolving mobility landscape.
