Revel announces the launch of electric bike subscriptions in New York, along with EV charging Superhubs.

Revel Launches Electric Bike Subscriptions in New York

Just weeks after announcing EV charging stations in Brooklyn

Last week, shared scooter startup Revel announced that it will add electric bike subscriptions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx to its personal transportation offerings. Manufactured by WING Bikes, the pedal-assist electric bikes have a 36-volt battery that can go 45 miles with a single charge and up to 20 miles per hour. The new Coast by Revel monthly electric bike subscriptions are $99 per month with no long-term commitment. The subscription fee includes free delivery and return of the bike, charger and lock, repairs and maintenance, and 24-hour support. eBike riders can sign up for the electric bike subscriptions in the Coast by Revel app.

Other features of the electric bike include the following:

  • Swappable Lithium ion 36V 10.4 battery, weighing five pounds
  • Battery charging time of 4 hours
  • Total weight of 39 pounds
  • Water resistant for riding in the rain

Revel will provide subscribers with educational materials about local bike laws, bike safety and how to lock the bike. The materials will be available on the app as well as in printed form.

In addition to the new electric bike subscription, Revel is offering an exclusive 70% discount on Revel-branded helmets made by FEND. The helmet is light, adjustable and folds in half for easy storage in a bag or backpack.

Coast by Revel electric bike subscriptions are among Revel's newest offerings.
Electric bike subscriptions are among Revel’s newest offerings. Image courtesy of Revel.

Electric scooter sharing service

The personal transportation startup Revel first launched in 2018 with an electric scooter sharing service, currently available in New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Oakland and Berkley. Riders can reserve and rent an electric moped, which can go up to 30 miles per hour, through the app. Each moped rental comes with two helmets which are required when driving or riding on a Revel scooter.

To support driver and rider safety, both drivers and passengers must take selfies of themselves wearing helmets to “confirm compliance,” according to the Revel website, and Revel users and others are encouraged to report “bad rider behavior.” Riders are also expected to follow all local traffic and parking regulations. Revel offers free, socially distant, in-person lessons as well as video tutorials.

New EV Superhubs

Earlier this month, Revel introduced Superhubs, Level 3 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EV). Compatible with all EV makes and models, the new Superhubs won’t have an access toll, and users will only have to pay for the charge. The first Superhub will be available in Brooklyn.

“Revel is building the infrastructure of the future, and we’re building it now – our planet can’t wait,” said Frank Reig, Revel CEO and co-founder, in a February 3, 2021 announcement. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring fast charging to our home borough of Brooklyn and get to work on the first of many Superhubs to come in 2021.”

Scooter lawsuits over injuries

While Revel is growing in the personal transportation and electric charging industries, it is not all fun and games for the startup. There have been multiple reports of injuries and deaths associated with Revel’s electric scooters, according to the New York Post. In January, five Revel scooter users sued the company, alleging the scooters had failed to work properly, causing injuries. Last summer, Revel temporarily suspended the rental of its electric scooters, resuming in August after adding mandatory safety how tos, helmet selfies, and 20-minute, 21-question safety tests, says the Post.

Insider Take

In the wake of the pandemic, electric scooter ridership more than doubled between early March and the end of May as New Yorkers sought out socially distant transportation options. Revel was a good option and, while addressing safety concerns, the company has also focused on product development. Now Revel has an expanded product line-up that will further service its customers and expand the company’s transportation footprint. The addition of electric bike subscriptions will help the company compete with other ride sharing companies like Lime while bringing in recurring revenue.

Up Next

Register Now For Email Subscription News Updates!

Search this site

You May Be Interested in: