How Joco Pivoted from Near-Failure to Profitable E-Bike Lifeline for Delivery Riders
From Empty Parking Garage to E-Bike Hub
In September 2024, two visionaries named Jonathan Cohen stood in a cavernous 15,000-square-foot parking garage near Hudson Yards, New York. This space would soon transform into a revolutionary hub for electric vehicles serving delivery workers across the city.
“We’re creating a dedicated space for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and charging infrastructure,” explained Jonathan Cohen (NY), Joco’s Chief Growth Officer. The London-based Jonathan Cohen, Joco’s CEO, described their vision for a multifunctional space including:
- Mechanic workshops
- Battery charging cabinets
- Docking stations
- Rider concierge services
- Rest areas with bathrooms
“Think of it as a gas station for delivery riders,” added Cohen (NY), “a place to recharge both bikes and themselves.”
The Rocky Road to Success
Joco’s journey began in 2021 as a Citi Bike compe*****, but the NYC Department of Transportation swiftly shut down their initial model. This regulatory hurdle forced a crucial pivot:
- Original Plan: Consumer e-bike sharing
- Pivot: Focus on last-mile delivery solutions
- Current Model: Serving both gig workers and enterprise clients
Building a Delivery Ecosystem
Today, Joco operates:
- For Gig Workers: Affordable daily/weekly e-bike rentals
- For Enterprises: Fleet management solutions for companies like Grubhub and Fresh Direct
- Safety Focus: FDNY-approved battery charging cabinets to prevent fires
“The DOT’s pushback was a blessing in disguise,” reflects Cohen (London). “It forced us to focus intensely on customer needs.”
Customer Obsession Drives Growth
Joco’s success stems from exceptional customer service:
- 24⁄7 Support: Including emergency bike retrievals
- Concierge Services: Rest areas with phone charging and supplies
- Community Building: Fostering rider connections
“We make unusual efforts that create fierce loyalty,” says Cohen (London). This approach has driven:
- 100% daily bike utilization
- Double-digit monthly growth
- Zero marketing spend
Sustainable Expansion Plans
With profitability achieved on just $7.5 million funding, Joco plans:
- Fleet Growth: From 3,000 to 10,000 bikes by 2025
- Geographic Expansion: More stations in Brooklyn and Queens
- Product Innovation: More four-wheeler cargo bikes
- Safety Infrastructure: 1,000 battery cabinets in buildings
As NYC implements congestion pricing, Joco stands ready to provide affordable, eco-friendly delivery solutions. Their story proves that regulatory challenges can spark innovation, and customer focus builds lasting success.
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