By: Jessica Fernandez
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), child seat restraints have saved the lives of roughly 11,606 children aged 5 and younger since 1975. Unfortunately, a recent study also found that 48% of parents and caregivers have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.
This is an oversight that could lead to accidents and fatalities — and it’s one Nelson Nigel is not willing to overlook.
His response to these numbers is Kidmoto: a mobile platform that connects families with trained drivers who arrive with professionally installed car seats. The service operates in over 50 U.S. cities and is transforming how families approach airport travel.
But the story behind Kidmoto is just as important as the product itself.
From Surviving to Solving Problems
Nigel’s life has been shaped by struggle and resilience.
An immigrant from Guyana, Nigel grew up in Queens, New York. His parents were factory workers and often faced economic hardship. At 17, he got into a terrible accident.
He was struck by a New York City Express subway train.
This incident left him in a coma, and brain surgery was necessary for him to recover.
Despite lifelong effects from the injury, Nigel refused to be defined by his limitations. He became a taxi driver in New York City and later an Uber driver.
And it was in the driver’s seat that he saw the problem firsthand:
Parents struggling with car seats. Kids riding unsecured. No real solution in sight.
Building a Business with a Purpose
In 2017, Nigel took action. He launched Kidmoto, bootstrapped from his own savings.
The goal was clear—create a trusted ride service specifically for families with small children. Unlike traditional rideshare platforms, Kidmoto prioritizes child safety above everything else.
Kidmoto drivers are trained in child passenger safety and arrive with car seats that meet federal safety standards. Each ride is tailored to the child’s needs based on age, weight, and height.
The company has now completed more than 45,000 rides with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Parents call it a “lifesaver.”
But Nigel doesn’t see Kidmoto as just a transportation solution. He sees it as a responsibility.
Staying Focused on What Others Ignore
“I know I’m not building ‘the next Uber’,” Nigel states firmly. “I’m not trying.”
Kidmoto is part of Moto Nation, a company that develops transportation apps for overlooked markets. Other offerings include:
- Babymoto: For newborns and hospital transport
- Busmoto: For airline crews, cruise workers, and public health staff
Nigel deliberately focuses on niche markets—what he calls the “scraps” of a trillion-dollar industry.
“There’s value in solving real problems, even for small segments,” he continues. “Families, airline crews, newborns—these are groups that big tech ignores. We don’t.”
The Man Behind the Mission
Nigel has faced business failures, financial hardship, and persistent racism. But he keeps going.
His work ethic is intense. His vision is personal. He speaks openly about his failures because they shaped him.
“I’ve had overdrafts. I’ve lost companies. I’ve worked 70-hour weeks. But I’ve never quit,” he says.
Nigel’s leadership is hands-on. He believes great leaders should be on the front lines. He’s not interested in office titles—he’s interested in results.
That’s why Kidmoto continues to grow.
Redefining What Family Travel Can Be
Kidmoto gives families something that’s hard to find in modern transportation—peace of mind.
It’s not about surge pricing or fancy app features. It’s about knowing your child is safe. It’s about solving a problem that others have ignored for too long.
And it all started with one man who refused to settle for “good enough.”
Nelson Nigel’s story is not just one of survival—it’s one of service. He built Kidmoto to protect families. That mission continues to guide every decision he makes.
For thousands of parents nationwide, Kidmoto isn’t just a ride. It’s a promise of safety.
Published by Joseph T.
