Amazon-owned Zoox said it has opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the public in Las Vegas, offering free rides in its custom-built electric robotaxis on and around the Strip.
Zoox vehicles — all-electric, autonomous, and designed without steering wheels or pedals — can now be hailed through the company’s mobile app. The launch marks a major step for the Foster City, California-based startup, which has spent six years developing its technology before unveiling its cube-shaped robotaxi. Testing began on public streets in Las Vegas in 2023, initially limited to a one-mile loop near the company’s depot, before expanding to the Strip and nearby areas.
The company said rides are available only at five designated pickup and drop-off locations, including Resorts World Las Vegas, AREA15, Topgolf, New York New York, and Luxor. Additional destinations will be added over time. Earlier this year, Zoox began its Explorer program in Las Vegas, a limited pilot for early riders. Wednesday’s launch makes the service available to any adult with the Zoox app on iOS or Android devices.
Although the service is open to the public, Zoox said it cannot yet charge fares. The company is awaiting regulatory approval before moving to a commercial model. In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox an exemption to demonstrate its robotaxis on public roads, addressing longstanding questions over whether its steering-wheel-free vehicles comply with federal safety standards. For now, the exemption applies only to demonstrations, not commercial use.
Zoox said it plans to expand gradually in Las Vegas and is preparing for a similar launch in San Francisco, where the public can now join a waitlist through the app. CEO Aicha Evans said the service represents a “groundbreaking journey” for the autonomous vehicle industry, adding that Las Vegas — a city with more than 40 million annual visitors — was an ideal debut location.
“The autonomous vehicle industry has made remarkable strides this year, bringing us closer to a future of safer, more accessible mobility. With the launch of our fully driverless ride-hailing service using a purposefully designed robotaxi, we’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking journey,” said Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox.
