In 1993, Nelson Nigel was hit by a moving express subway train in New York City.
This landed him in a coma for two weeks. He barely survived the ordeal.
Today, Nelson credits that freak accident for his changed outlook. He used that resilience – and that second chance at life – to build Moto Nation, a company redefining transportation for underserved markets.
A Journey of Survival and Determination
Nigel, an immigrant from Guyana, grew up in Queens, New York, with parents who worked factory jobs to support their family. He faced his fair share of financial struggles early on, but refused to let those define his future.
Failures marked his entrepreneurial journey as well, but each setback only strengthened his resolve.
After the 2008 financial crisis, Nigel lost everything and became a New York City taxi driver. That job gave him direct insight into transportation challenges in the city. He saw gaps in the industry, especially in safety and accessibility, and committed himself to finding solutions.
Then his near-death experience happened, and it totally reshaped his views on life, business, and success.
Instead of dwelling on hardship, Nigel channeled his energy into innovation. He filled in the gaps by building Moto Nation: a solution specifically designed to serve those often overlooked by major rideshare companies.
Moto Nation: Filling the Gaps in Transportation
Moto Nation is a software company that creates specialized transportation solutions. Unlike mainstream rideshare services, it focuses on niche markets.
It started with Kidmoto, which provides airport transportation with pre-installed child car seats.
The idea was simple: taxis and rideshare services do not offer safe seating for young children, forcing parents to travel without proper restraints.
Kidmoto now operates in 61 cities, offering families a safer way to travel. The company has completed over 60,000 rides and maintains high customer satisfaction ratings.
Beyond Kidmoto, Moto Nation is expanding into other specialized transportation services:
- BabyMoto: A service designed for families traveling with newborns.
- BusMoto: A division handling medical logistics, airline crew transport, and government health supply movement.
These services address gaps in transportation that mainstream companies have ignored. Moto Nation provides reliable solutions where they are needed most.
A Business Model Built on Resilience
Nigel believes in competing where Uber and Lyft cannot.
“We are not trying to take over rideshare,” he says. “Rather, we focus on the niche markets that these big organizations overlook. And there’s still plenty of opportunity for us there.”
This approach allows Moto Nation to succeed without direct competition from industry giants. It also gives underserved communities access to safer, more reliable transportation.
Nigel’s deep understanding of government procurement is another advantage. He leverages this expertise to develop services that align with regulatory needs, making Moto Nation a strong partner for both public and private transportation networks.
Looking Ahead
Moto Nation continues to grow, expanding its reach into new sectors. Nigel’s vision is clear: build a company that provides solutions, not just services.
His personal journey fuels his mission. He refuses to let past struggles define him. Instead, he builds businesses that make travel safer and more accessible.
“Life isn’t about where you start,” he says. “It’s about where you’re going and how you help others along the way.”
Moto Nation proves that innovation and resilience can reshape an industry. Nelson Nigel’s story is one of survival, but more importantly, it is one of impact.
Published by Joseph T.
