Revel: All-Electric Rides 17+

I was in Miami for workcation, after I checked out of the hotel, my flight was at 10:05pm, so I had a whole day to kill without transportation, luckily I stumbled upon the Revel Scooter a few days before and downloaded the app, I didn’t know the existence of this service, since I live in Los Angeles, so I signed up, you need to upload your drivers license, selfie shot and answer numerous safety and liability questions, you gotta answer correctly on all answers, you keep taking the test until you answer them all correctly, once you pass, you will be forced to watch a how to ride video, I used to ride a 600cc motorcycle, so I don’t need instructions, once you enter your credit card number, your account will be active.

The night before my departure day, I tried to use the app, but it said “System is closed in your area” I didn’t know the service shuts down at 8pm, but if you have a day pass, you get to ride beyond 8pm until your 12hrs are up, there are 2 helmets, hair nets and sanitizing wipes in there, you gotta choose the right scooter, first one I rented only had 37% battery and 2 mile radius, however the second one I rented for the Day Pass had 98% battery and a 20 mile radius, so I got to spend my last day riding around Miami and got to see and experience some of the attractions in the city. Couldn’t have done it without Revel, truly it’s the best shared transportation of today.

I don’t even know how this company profits based on all the discounts they give out. I chatted with Revel drivers before and they told me that they got paid hourly and that the money was way better than Uber and Lyft (who allegedly take away 60% of the fee paid by customers from the drivers). This means that there’s a smaller likelihood that the drivers take detours to get a higher pay. Also, because their wage isn’t completely dependent on how many orders they take but the hours they work, they are less “moody” than usual rideshare drivers (which I totally understand). For example, some Uber drivers are so in a rush (to do more orders) that if you take an extra few minutes to get into the car they get upset and give you a low rating (again, I blame the platform mechanism). With Revel drivers, I don’t worry about that. Because they get treated better by the company, they all seem pretty chill from my experience so far, and everyone’s happy. Also, the cars being electric takes off some guilt on my part for not taking public transport. I hope this lasts.

Seriously. Since you updated it this week, two days in a row I’ve somehow been able to ride a scooter even though it doesn’t show I’m riding it in your app. Then I have to call you guys to shut off the bike when I’ve reached my destination. This is not a “WiFi connectivity” issue. The bottom line is your app now has a new flaw that allows me to rent a bike without you apparently knowing about it. And then I have to call you, wait on hold for customer service, and then ask you to turn off the bike so no one steals it. That’s ridiculous. I’m a longtime customer and use your bikes daily for my commute, but that’s over now.

What’s even more frustrating is your deflection and lack of responsibility. No apology from either customer service representative. Today the woman essentially blamed me for having WiFi issues, which is ridiculous and untrue. Also, you don’t see it as a sound business decision to maybe credit the ride? It’s only $3 but it would’ve at least acknowledged that, as I told the rep today, having to call you to deal with this issue made me late to a meeting.

Honestly, given the weird customer service vibes, the lack of responsibility, and the fact that this has happened twice in a row, I’m reluctant to use your app again. Please retrain your customer-facing staff and please update your app. Thanks.