Revel's Rideshare: An Electric Alternative

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban transportation, the emergence of new services often sparks curiosity and a desire for cleaner, more efficient alternatives. For residents and visitors of New York City, the name Revel might ring a bell, primarily associated with its earlier foray into electric moped rentals. However, the question on many minds is whether Revel has expanded its offerings to include a dedicated rideshare service, aiming to compete with established giants like Uber and Lyft. This article delves into Revel's journey, its ventures into ridesharing, and what it means for the future of eco-friendly travel within the bustling metropolis.

Revel's Entry into the Rideshare Arena

Revel first made its mark on the New York City scene in 2018, initially launching with a fleet of electric mopeds. These dockless mopeds, strategically placed in areas like Brooklyn and later Manhattan, offered a novel way to navigate the city. Over the years, Revel experimented with various transportation modes, including electric bikes, seemingly searching for its definitive identity. It was in September 2021 that the company signalled a significant shift, announcing its intention to introduce a rideshare service. This move was particularly noteworthy as it coincided with rising prices for traditional rideshare options across the country, suggesting a strategic attempt to capture market share with a potentially more affordable and environmentally conscious alternative.

What Exactly is Revel?

Revel's core mission, as articulated by its founder and CEO Frank Reig, has always been to "electrify cities." This commitment translates into providing essential electric transportation options and fostering the necessary electric vehicle infrastructure to support them. The rideshare service that Revel began to roll out exclusively utilises electric-powered Teslas, positioning itself as a greener choice for commuters. Unlike many other rideshare platforms that rely on independent contractors, Revel operates with a different model. The company directly employs its drivers, providing them with benefits such as health insurance and a 401k plan. This employment structure, according to Revel, allows for greater control over vehicle maintenance and driver performance, with a strong emphasis on safety. Every driver is rigorously vetted, and the company ensures its Tesla fleet is maintained to its specific standards. Furthermore, Revel tracks the performance of its vehicles, including acceleration, speed, and braking, and provides drivers with safety scores after each shift, aiming to foster continuous improvement and reduce liabilities.

How Can You Access Revel Rideshare?

The rollout of Revel's rideshare service began in New York City, and initially, there was a waitlist for interested users to gain access to the app. The service was designed to operate akin to a traditional taxi service, promising lower rates and an eco-friendly commuting experience. While waiting for the rideshare option to become fully available, users could still engage with Revel through its existing moped network, primarily located in Manhattan. To use the mopeds, individuals needed to download the Revel app (available on iOS and Android), provide their driver's license, and complete a brief moped tutorial. The app also served as the gateway to join the waitlist for the forthcoming rideshare service, with the option being advertised as "coming soon."

Service Area and Expansion Plans

Revel's initial rideshare operations were concentrated in New York City. While the company had expanded its moped services to other cities like Miami, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, the rideshare offering was slated to debut exclusively in NYC. The operational zone for Revel's rideshare service was initially limited to areas below 42nd Street in Manhattan, but by April 2022, the company announced an expansion of its service zone up to 96th Street. Revel's hours of operation were reported to be from 5 am to 2 am. A notable feature of the service was its planned airport transfers, offering one-way commutes directly to Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, provided the pickup location was within Manhattan. The company expressed intentions to further expand its service zone, stating "we are planning to expand our service zone soon!" However, the pace of this expansion was reportedly hampered by the scarcity of charging hubs across New York City, a critical factor for an all-electric fleet.

The Charging Infrastructure Challenge

Frank Reig highlighted the significant hurdle posed by the lack of widespread charging infrastructure in cities like New York. He asserted that "the real issue here, in cities like New York, is that if we're going to electrify rideshare and push EV adoption, there’s a huge missing ingredient. There is no charging infrastructure in cities. It doesn’t exist." Reig stressed the urgency of building this infrastructure, stating that without it, cities would struggle to meet their electric vehicle targets. This challenge directly impacted Revel's ability to scale its electric rideshare operations efficiently.

Revel's Evolving Strategy: A Shift in Focus

Revel's journey has been marked by strategic adjustments. In November 2023, the company announced a significant pivot: the cessation of its moped sharing programs. This decision was driven by a strategic refocusing on its electric vehicle taxi service and its burgeoning electric vehicle charging stations. The company declared, "Moving forward, Revel will continue to grow our Fast Charging business with more sites and cities opening soon." This announcement signalled the end of an era for Revel's popular moped rentals, consolidating its efforts on building out its charging network and refining its electric taxi service. The company's fleet had evolved to include not only Teslas but also Kia electric cars, painted in their distinctive bright blue with "Revel" emblazoned on the side.

Key Milestones and History

• 2018: Revel founded by Frank Reig and Paul Suhey. Pilot program with electric mopeds in Brooklyn and Queens begins.
• May 2019: Expands moped fleet in New York City to 1,000 vehicles.
• August 2019: Launches a pilot program in Washington, D.C.
• June 2019: Revel employs approximately 40 full-time staff in New York, with benefits and insurance.
• June 2021: Opens its first public fast-charging hub in Brooklyn with 25 chargers.
• February 2021: Introduces monthly electric bike subscriptions in New York City boroughs.
• April 2021: Expands operations to Miami, Florida, and San Francisco, California.
• July 2021: Receives approval from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission to operate a taxi service, leveraging an exemption for fully electric vehicles.
• August 2021: Begins its taxi service with 50 Tesla Model Ys.
• November 2023: Announces the discontinuation of its moped sharing service to concentrate on electric taxi services and charging stations. At this point, it operated over 500 electric vehicles in New York and New Jersey.
• July 2024: Revel has around 150 employees and is headquartered in Brooklyn. Plans are in place to develop 200 more charging stations by 2025, supported by a partnership with Uber.
• August 11, 2025: Revel announced the end of their rideshare service, stating they will now focus exclusively on vehicle charging stations.

Moped Specifics and Safety Considerations

Revel's mopeds were manufactured by NIU and retailed between $3,000 and $5,000. These electric scooters weighed approximately 200 lbs and were powered by two lithium-ion batteries, offering a range of about 60 miles with a top speed of 30 mph. Revel employees were responsible for swapping out batteries as needed. Each moped came equipped with two helmets, which the company stated were cleaned regularly. All Revel mopeds were registered with the DMV and bore license plates. To operate a moped, drivers had to be 18 or older, possess a valid license, and pay a $5 verification fee. Revel provided a free half-hour rider instruction course, though criticism arose regarding the adequacy of these lessons compared to the influx of new riders. The mopeds were driven and parked on the street, a practice that differed from other shared mobility services whose bikes could occupy sidewalks. Revel prohibited moped use on major highways and bridges.

Revel faced several safety-related incidents and legal challenges during its moped operations. These included personal injury lawsuits stemming from collisions, such as a case where a biker sustained severe injuries after colliding with a Revel moped. In another instance, a Revel rider was involved in an accident with a car. Tragically, in July 2020, two fatalities occurred involving Revel mopeds in New York City. Following these incidents, Revel temporarily suspended its operations in the city for a month. These events underscored the inherent risks associated with shared micro-mobility services and the importance of rider education and vehicle safety.

Revel's Rideshare Service Has Ended

It is crucial to note that, as of August 11, 2025, Revel has announced the cessation of its rideshare service. The company has confirmed that it will now be focusing exclusively on its electric vehicle charging stations. This marks a definitive end to their time as a rideshare provider in New York City. While the electric taxi service was a significant part of their strategy, the company's ultimate direction is towards becoming a major player in the EV charging infrastructure sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Revel ever have a rideshare service in New York City?

Yes, Revel did launch a rideshare service in New York City, utilising a fleet of electric Teslas. However, this service has since ended.

What kind of vehicles did Revel use for its rideshare service?

Revel primarily used electric Teslas for its rideshare service. Their broader electric vehicle fleet also included Kia electric cars.

When did Revel stop its rideshare service?

Revel announced the end of its rideshare service on August 11, 2025.

What is Revel focusing on now?

Revel is now exclusively focusing on expanding its network of electric vehicle charging stations.

Was Revel's rideshare service eco-friendly?

Yes, Revel's rideshare service was designed to be eco-friendly as it exclusively used electric vehicles.

Did Revel employ its drivers?

Yes, Revel directly employed its drivers and provided them with benefits, unlike many gig economy rideshare platforms.

Where did Revel operate its rideshare service?

Revel's rideshare service operated in New York City.

What was the initial offering from Revel in NYC?

Revel initially launched in New York City with a fleet of electric mopeds.

What are Revel's future plans?

Revel plans to significantly expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, aiming to develop hundreds of new charging stations.