Imagine stepping off a long flight, exhausted and ready to relax, only to be greeted by a ride that leaves you feeling queasy and disappointed. That’s exactly what happened to one woman who ordered an Uber Black at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. But here’s where it gets controversial: her premium ride turned out to be a Tesla, and she wasn’t having it. 'Canceling the ride immediately,' she declared, capturing the moment in a viral video that’s now sparked a heated debate.
Uber Black is typically synonymous with luxury—think high-end sedans, spacious SUVs, and a smooth, stylish journey home. It’s the kind of upgrade you treat yourself to after battling airport chaos, especially at one of the country’s busiest hubs. But when content creator Valentina (@sweetportfolioprivate) ordered her Uber Black, the sleek black Tesla that pulled up wasn’t what she had in mind. 'I'm gonna need some nausea medicine,' she quipped in her caption, a sentiment that’s more relatable than you might think.
And this is the part most people miss: Teslas, despite their futuristic appeal, can be a recipe for motion sickness. The culprit? Regenerative braking—a feature that, while eco-friendly, can make the ride feel jerky and unpredictable. Dr. Monya De explains, 'In a Tesla, the regenerative braking can be jerky and unfamiliar to people who are used to a different kind of car motion.' ABC News even labeled Teslas as 'the worst offenders,' with automotive expert Ed Kim noting that the jumpy throttle can cause lurching, leaving passengers feeling unwell.
The issue is compounded for backseat riders. Motion sickness occurs when your senses—what your eyes see, what your inner ear feels, and what your brain processes—don’t align. Add Tesla’s silent motor to the mix, and you’ve got a sensory mismatch. 'In an EV, the auditory and visual inputs don't fit the model that you are actually moving,' Dr. D.J. Verret told ABC News. No engine roar to signal acceleration? It’s enough to make anyone queasy.
Valentina’s video, which has amassed over 412,000 views, struck a chord with viewers. Comments poured in, with many echoing her frustration. 'Ugh, Tesla should not be considered Uber Black,' one user wrote, while another suggested, 'There should be a no-Tesla option.' It’s clear that for some, a Tesla simply doesn’t fit the bill for a premium ride.
But here’s the controversial question: Is it fair to label Teslas as a downgrade, or are expectations for Uber Black simply out of touch with modern luxury? After all, Teslas are cutting-edge, eco-friendly, and undeniably sleek. Should riders adjust their expectations, or should Uber reconsider what qualifies as a premium vehicle? We reached out to Valentina for her thoughts, and we’ll update this story if she responds.
What do you think? Would you hop into a Tesla for your Uber Black ride, or would you cancel and wait for something more traditional? Let us know in the comments below—we’re eager to hear your take on this heated debate!
