Amazon's Zoox becomes first in US to get permit for commercial robotaxi without steering wheel or pedals

Zoox has received approval from the US regulator for limited commercial use of robotaxis that have no steering wheel, pedals or other traditional control elements, according to Reuters. This is the first startup in the US to obtain such permission. The company can add up to 2,500 electric vehicles per year to its fleet for two years. Zoox's robotaxi accelerates to 75 mph (about 120 km/h) and can carry up to four passengers. The electric vehicle can move in any direction as it has no driver's cabin, so it does not need to turn around. Zoox currently provides free test rides in parts of Las Vegas and San Francisco. The company has not announced the timeline for launching commercial services. Zoox must provide additional reports on accidents, unjustified stops and other issues. If safety risks arise, the commercial use permit may be revoked. Zoox cannot sell its electric vehicles to private individuals. Amazon acquired the self-driving car developer Zoox in June 2020. In 2025, the company launched free rides for all users in Las Vegas.