Electric moped ride-sharing company expands services to Berkeley

Electric vehicle sharing company Revel has expanded its service of mopeds to the Berkeley area. 

Revel provides electric mopeds that can be accessed through an app, and all users must be at least 21 years old, have a driver’s license and have a safe driving record to access the service. Drivers also must complete in-app training and take a selfie with their helmet before riding a moped, according to Frank Reig, CEO and co-founder of Revel.

“Revel provides riders with a convenient and safe transportation option to navigate their cities,” Reig said in an email. “During COVID-19, especially, this option allows Berkeley residents a reliable, socially distanced transportation alternative. We hope that Revel provides Berkeley residents with an exciting way to see their town in a whole new light!”

In response to COVID-19, Revel cleans its helmets and “high touch areas” such as the handlebar, brake levers and seat, according to Reig. Helmets also come with a disposable liner. Additionally, the company provides free in-person moped-riding lessons in North Oakland, which in response to COVID-19 are socially distanced, Reig said in the email.

Each trip costs $1 to access the vehicle and $0.35 per minute during the ride. According to an August press release from the city of Berkeley, Revel provides a low-income discount for customers eligible for government assistance programs such as CalFresh, which gives members a $10 account credit and 40% off per-minute rates.

According to the press release, Revel is part of the city of Berkeley’s one-way vehicle share program, which began in 2016.

“With transportation responsible for 60% of Berkeley’s greenhouse gas emissions, increasing electric vehicle usage is a core aspect of the City’s overall climate strategy,” the press release states. “One-way vehicle share supports City’s strategic plan goal to ‘be a global leader in addressing climate change, advancing environmental justice, and protecting the environment.’ ”

Contact Robson Swift at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @swift_robson.