Moped sharing company suspends operations in New York after second rider’s death

A moped sharing company said Tuesday it is suspending its services in New York City after the death of a second rider. 

The moped company Revel tweeted it will be shutting down services in New York City until further notice as it reviews and strengthens its safety measures. 

“New York riders – starting today, NYC service will be shut down until further notice. We’re reviewing and strengthening our rider accountability and safety measures and communicating with city officials, and we look forward to serving you again in the near future,” Revel tweeted. 

New York riders – starting today, NYC service will be shut down until further notice. We’re reviewing and strengthening our rider accountability and safety measures and communicating with city officials, and we look forward to serving you again in the near future.

— Revel (@_GoRevel) July 28, 2020

The company’s update came after a 32-year-old rider was killed in a crash in Rego Park, Queens, CBS New York reported. 

Police said Jeremy Malave, of Ridgewood, lost control and struck a light pole around 3:15 a.m., according to the outlet. 

His death was less than two weeks after a CBS New York reporter, Nina Kapur, was killed in a crash on one of Revel’s mopeds. 

Revel confirmed to CBS News that the fatal accident that killed Kapur, who was riding as a passenger, was its first fatal accident. 

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) on Sunday called for the Revel mopeds to be removed from city streets. Noting Kapur’s death, Espaillat called the Revel devices a “clear danger” to residents, passengers and pedestrians on city streets. 

For Nina and all who have lost their lives or been injured after using #Revel scooters, I have called for the motorized vehicles to be removed from city streets as they present a clear danger to residents, passengers, pedestrians & the overall street safety of our neighborhoods.

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) July 26, 2020

The mopeds are rented by an app. The company requires riders to have a valid driver’s license, but does not require a motorcycle license, according to rules listed on its website. 

Revel also requires all riders to be 21 or older and all passengers to be 18 or older, and requires all passengers and riders wear helmets which it said are included in every rental. 

The company also has rental mopeds available in Austin, Texas; Miami; Oakland, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The company is planning to launch services in San Francisco soon, according to its website.