By: Jen Rogers

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 approximately 48% of parents and caregivers have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.

This is an oversight that could increase the risk of accidents — and it’s one Nelson Nigel aims to help address.

His response to these numbers is Kidmoto: a mobile platform that connects families with trained drivers who are equipped with professionally installed car seats. The service currently operates in over 50 U.S. cities and is contributing to changing how families approach airport travel.

But the story behind Kidmoto is just as important as the platform itself.

From Overcoming Challenges to Creating Solutions

Nigel’s life has been shaped by persistence and adaptability.

An immigrant from Guyana, Nigel grew up in Queens, New York. His parents were factory workers who often faced economic challenges. At 17, he experienced a life-changing accident:
He was struck by a New York City Express subway train.

This incident placed him in a coma, requiring brain surgery for recovery.

Despite lifelong effects from the injury, Nigel chose to pursue a path defined by resilience. He worked as a taxi driver in New York City and later as an Uber driver.

It was during this time that he recognized a recurring challenge:
Parents struggling with car seats. Children riding unsecured. Limited specialized options available.

Building a Mission-Driven Business

In 2017, Nigel decided to take action. He launched Kidmoto, bootstrapped from personal savings.

The goal was clear—create a reliable ride service designed with family safety in mind. Unlike traditional rideshare platforms, Kidmoto places a strong emphasis on child safety.

Kidmoto drivers are trained in child passenger safety protocols and arrive with car seats that comply with federal safety standards. Each ride is tailored based on the child’s age, weight, and height, ensuring better alignment with safety needs.

According to company-released information, Kidmoto has facilitated more than an estimated 45,000 rides and received positive feedback from parents. Many users describe it as a “lifesaver.”

However, Nigel sees Kidmoto as more than just a transportation service. He regards it as a platform dedicated to supporting families’ safety needs.

Filling Gaps Others Overlook

“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 focuses on creating transportation apps for underserved 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 large transportation industry.

“There’s value in solving meaningful problems, even for specific groups,” he continues. “Families, airline crews, newborns—these are communities often underserved by large platforms. We aim to bridge that gap.”

The Man Behind the Mission

Nigel has experienced business setbacks, financial pressures, and social challenges. Yet he remains committed to his work.

His leadership style is hands-on and pragmatic. He believes leaders should remain close to the core operations of their companies. Titles matter less to him than measurable impact.

“I’ve had overdrafts. I’ve closed businesses. I’ve worked countless long shifts. But I’ve stayed the course,” he shares.

This work ethic has helped Kidmoto continue to grow steadily.

Rethinking Family Travel Solutions

Kidmoto offers families something that can be difficult to find in modern transportation—greater peace of mind.

It’s not about surge pricing or flashy app designs. It’s about prioritizing safety and solving overlooked needs.

And it all started with one individual who refused to accept the status quo.

Nelson Nigel’s story is not solely about survival—it’s about creating solutions for others. He built Kidmoto with the intention of offering families a safer and more thoughtful way to travel.

For thousands of parents nationwide, Kidmoto represents more than a ride. It stands as a commitment to their child’s safety.

Published by Joseph T.