Following the second death of an NYC Revel rider, the moped-sharing company announced it would shut down NYC operations in late July. On Thursday, August 27, Revel returned to the city, announcing a number of new safety precautions it would be taking.
Today we’re relaunching Revel in the city where it all began. We’re rolling out new and enhanced education, safety, and accountability features, and there are a few things you’ll have to do to start riding again. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/WVySpa2j1L
— Revel (@_GoRevel) August 27, 2020
Revel Tweeted that users will “have to complete our in-app safety training, designed to sharpen your skills and your knowledge of the rules of the road. You’ll also have to take a Helmet Selfie before each ride (and one of your passenger, if you have one) and upload it in the app for us to check.”
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The company has rolled out additional safety features including automatic alerts to “detect when a rider enters a park, travels the wrong way down a one-way street, or crosses a prohibited bridge or tunnel,” and a community reporting system (which non-Revel users can use to report reckless Revel riders).
Revel has also expanded its Violation and Suspension Policy.
I give this about a month before they are pulled off the streets again, this time for good.Never going to be safe here, too many people….
It would work out fine if there weren’t so many idiots that think they are toys.
This is a quiet, fun, mostly lower speed, small space-required, transportation option. The mopeds don’t require half block long bike racks that contribute to over-crowded streets. They’re energy efficient, use no gas, have no polluting exhaust . Did I say they’re quiet?
As this is new, too many idiots, as many have pointed out on ilUWS, took these things for joy rides up and down one ways, into parks, and bike lanes. This will pass, and can be minimized. The rider is responsible for their safety. Let’s not let the actions of an uninformed, silly few, out joy-riding on a new toy, ruin what could be a city appropriate modern transportation option.
Additionally, it’s a distanced, solo or duo traveler option during times of Covid. A bus, or subway aren’t nearly as safe, in fact, the Revel is safer in this regard. Period. I’m glad Revel is trying to accommodate and adapt. Let’s give this a chance!