A few weeks ago I had just landed in Chicago and was in a cab on my way to downtown. A few things were for sure, it was hot in the cab and sweat was pouring down my face, I was thirsty and my Blackberry had less than 25% life left on its battery… Translation I needed a charge!
I stopped and thought – isn’t that a great business idea?! You are like “what, having a dead battery?!!” No, how many times is your IPOD, IPHONE, Blackberry or computer low on juice? Your electronic device that you rely on so much (at least I do, am I alone?) needs a recharge!
Why don’t cabs capitalize on these? Why don’t cabs have some type of system that you can plug in your electronics and get charged up while you are sitting in the cab on your way to your destination.
- What do you think?
- Would you use this service?
- How much would you pay?
- Is it $3.00 for 15 minutes?
I am really excited about this idea!
- What do you think?
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
I think it’s a novel idea. I was shocked the first time I saw one of the fee based multi charger stations in the Salt Lake City airport. The challenge with a cab is whether they can carry all the different models of adapters, and based on the PDA, will a 15 minute charge be adequate etc.
Great idea though!
Debra Semans says:
What a great idea! I wonder why I never thought to bring my car charger and ask the cabdriver to plug it in? (Anticipating language difficulties here!) I would definitely pay $3 extra for this – especially on the way to those airports that don’t have ample outlets at the gates.
Debra
Merrill Dubrow says:
Debra,
Funny I never thought about that as well. Although for some reason my car charger doesn’t usually work.
Merrill
Michael Halberstam says:
Love it. I also loved the GPS device in luggage idea you had. I smell a new company being formed “Merrill’s Ideas”!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Michael,
There is room for a partnershup!
Merrill
Kimberly White says:
Hi Merrill.
I am sure that all of us have been in this situation before, I certainly have! I have handed my charger and phone to the cab driver and he has been more than happy to plug it into his lighter.
Your idea is great for those of you that do not bring everything including the ‘kitchen sink’ with you in your carry-on luggage.
Kim
Ed Sugar says:
Good idea. I can see people adding on an extra 5 minutes to their ride just to make use their device is fully charged
Rick Johnson says:
Just my opinion, but since most cab rides are “usually” very short. Why not have a bank of pre-charged batteries for the most common devices (e.g., Blackberries, IPhones, etc.) and then just swap batteries and your ready to go! I don’t know if having extra laptop batteries on-hand would be a good idea, but the small electronic devices would be easy enough to have several unhand.
What do you think? Great idea!!!
Rick
Merrill Dubrow says:
Rick,
I like it almost like swapping out your propane tank!
That might actually work.
Merrill
Bob Graham says:
If the cab had an inductive charger, that would eliminate the need for carrying multiple tips. Just lay the device in a tray and it would charge.
Adam Jolley says:
That was my thought as well Bob,
The Power Mat is about $100 and can charge 3-4 devices at a time which will be easier than a charger bank or battery bank (iphones have no removable battery).
Ben Larkin says:
I like it! Although, I will say that constantly checking player stats for your beloved Red Sox all day on your phone will definitely drain your battery….
Secret says:
It usually works to plan ahead.
Marianne says:
Interesting proposal. However, I think I may have found an easier workaround – I bought an Everyready device charger. It came with multiple plug sizes which fit everything I own, and it works on 2 AA batteries. so I can charge on the plane, in the cab, during dinner – whenever!
Kelly Christine Delaney says:
Though this would be a clever thing to see in cabs, I actually have a ZAGGsparq and it is absolutely fantastic. It has two USB ports to charge anything – it was originally made for iPhones but anything with a USB charger can be charged.
Speaking of the multi charger stations, they’re popping up everywhere – I saw a few while enjoying some coasters at Six Flags.