Revel Transit, New York City's first shared electric moped service, launched its ride-share pilot program on Monday in Bushwick. Via an app, residents in Bushwick, Greenpoint or Williamsburg now have access to a fast, affordable and energy-efficient transportation alternative.
"We have bike-share, we have car-share, we have public transit, but we do not have electric mopeds, and we believe that this is a missing link that the city needs," said Paul Suhey, COO and co-founder of Revel Transit.
"The reason why we chose these three communities here: They are most impacted by the pending L train shut down and are currently looking for innovative transport solutions, and the air quality also can always use improvement. And as local residents of these neighborhoods, we know there is a high demand for short- to medium-range trips, which we can fulfill with our program."
Revel works like many other ride-share programs: Users pay a fee to sign up and pay per-minute-per-ride. After a one-time $25 fee to cover a motor vehicle license check, rides start at $4 for the first 20 minutes, with an additional 25-cent per minute charge after that. Any user with a valid driver's license, a credit card and a safe driving record can easily and quickly access and reserve the mopeds up to 15 minutes in advance through the Revel app.
"This is another transportation option for New Yorkers to get from point A to point B," said Frank Reig, CEO and co-founder of Revel Transit. "That transportation option has to be affordable, which we are just a dollar more than a subway ride. And it has to be easy to use, delay-free and admission-free. And at the end of the day, this is fun."
Users can take the moped anywhere in Brooklyn and Queens, as long as they stay clear off bike lanes, sidewalks, expressways, highways and interstate routes. At the end of the ride, they can park the moped in any legal five-foot space within the three home neighborhoods.
All mopeds are equipped with helmets; all rides are fully insured; and any user can sign up for a free one-on-one training prior to getting on the moped.
"The L train shutdown is happening, and we as a city and as a community need to encourage as many folks as possible to think outside the box to keep our residents moving," said Councilmember Antonio Reynoso. "We also have to consider to continue to break down the car culture. What we have here is another entrance into the world of mobility: It's viable, it's safe, and above all, it's good for the environment."
All new users automatically get $8 in riding credit, and if they apply the promotional code "RevelAndGo," the ride-sharing company is adding an additional $15 riding credit that expires on August 30.
