Futures

Flush: A New App Aims to Solve Public Restroom Shortage in the U.S., (from page 20230109.)

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Summary

A new app called Flush is set to launch at CES 2024, allowing users to rent restrooms in cafés, restaurants, and hotels for a fee, addressing the issue of limited public restroom access in the U.S. Founded by Elle Szabo after her own struggles with finding restrooms while on medication, Flush creates a marketplace where business owners can list their bathrooms, charging up to $10 per use. The app includes a rating system for users and is exploring insurance options for businesses. Despite the innovative solution, there are concerns regarding the feasibility, potential abuse, and impacts on those unable to pay for restroom access. Previous attempts at similar models have faced challenges, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of Flush’s business model.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Emergence of Rentable Restrooms A new startup, Flush, is offering businesses the option to rent out their restrooms. Shifting from free public restrooms to a paid rental model for restroom access. Restroom access could become a service-oriented model, with businesses monetizing their facilities. Growing urban populations and inadequate public restroom infrastructure are driving the need for alternatives. 4
Tech Integration in Public Amenities Flush is exploring smart locks and apps for bathroom access management. Transitioning from traditional restroom access to app-based and smart technology solutions. Public amenities may increasingly leverage technology for efficiency and user convenience. The rise of smartphone usage and IoT technology in daily life encourages digital solutions for public services. 3
Changing Attitudes Towards Public Restrooms The normalization of paying for restroom access may evolve over time. From free access to a society accustomed to paying for restroom use. Paying for restroom access could become a standard practice in urban environments. Cultural shifts and experiences in other countries could influence acceptance of paid restroom models. 4
Market Opportunities for Public Amenities Flush aims to create a new revenue stream for businesses through restroom rentals. Businesses are diversifying income sources by monetizing facilities that were previously free. Businesses may increasingly look for innovative ways to generate revenue from underutilized spaces. The need for additional revenue streams in a competitive market encourages creative solutions. 5
Social Impact of Restroom Accessibility Concerns raised about the implications of paid restroom access for homeless individuals. Shift from public restroom access to a model that may exclude marginalized groups. Access to hygiene facilities may become more restricted for lower-income populations. The growing homelessness crisis and inadequate public infrastructure highlight the need for accessible facilities. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Access to Restrooms for Marginalized Groups The pay-for-use model may exclude low-income individuals and homeless populations from accessing necessary bathroom facilities, exacerbating public health issues. 5
Market Viability of Rental Toilets Previous attempts at similar business models have failed, raising concerns about the economic sustainability and long-term success of Flush’s concept. 4
Health and Sanitation Risks Reliance on private businesses to maintain restroom hygiene may lead to inadequate sanitation standards, posing health risks to users. 4
User Privacy and Security Implementing technology like smart locks could raise concerns about user privacy, data security, and the potential for misuse of personal information. 3
Impact on Public Infrastructure The shift towards private solutions for public restroom access could diminish governmental responsibility to invest in public sanitation infrastructure. 4
Discrimination in Bathroom Access The operational policies may inadvertently discriminate against certain demographics, impacting who can easily access these facilities. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Mobile App for Bathroom Access Startups are developing mobile apps that allow users to find and reserve bathrooms, addressing the need for public restroom access. 5
Monetization of Private Restrooms Businesses are starting to monetize their restrooms by renting them out through platforms like Flush, creating new revenue streams. 4
High-Tech Public Restrooms Innovations in restroom technology, such as self-cleaning toilets, are emerging to improve public restroom conditions and accessibility. 4
Marketplace for Restroom Rentals The concept of a double-sided marketplace for bathroom rentals is emerging, allowing users to find and book private bathrooms. 4
Concerns about Accessibility There are growing concerns about the impact of paid restroom access on marginalized populations, particularly the homeless. 5
User Rating Systems for Facilities Platforms like Flush are incorporating rating systems for restroom users to maintain cleanliness and deter abuse. 3
Integration of Smart Technology The potential integration of smart locks for self-service access to rented restrooms is being explored. 3
Shift in Social Norms Regarding Payment There is a cultural shift needed for users to accept paying for restroom access, especially in regions where it has been historically free. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Self-Cleaning Portable Toilets High-tech portable toilets that self-clean and can be reserved via a mobile app, enhancing hygiene and convenience. 4
Bathroom Rental Marketplace A platform allowing users to rent bathrooms from businesses, creating a new revenue stream for owners and solving public restroom shortages. 4
Smart Lock Technology for Restrooms Proposed smart locks to enable self-service access to rented bathrooms, improving user experience and management. 3
Rating System for Bathroom Users A built-in rating system to monitor user behavior and maintain cleanliness standards in public restrooms. 3
Insurance for Bathroom Rentals Exploring insurance options to protect businesses from potential damage caused by restroom users. 2

Issues

name description relevancy
Public Restroom Accessibility The lack of accessible, well-maintained public restrooms in the U.S. is becoming a more pressing issue, especially for vulnerable populations. 5
Monetization of Private Restrooms Emerging business models like Flush aim to monetize private restroom access, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility for all. 4
Impact on Homelessness The shift to paid restroom access could negatively impact homeless individuals who rely on public facilities, highlighting a social equity issue. 5
Technological Solutions for Public Facilities Startups are developing tech solutions for public restroom access and maintenance, indicating a trend towards innovation in urban infrastructure. 4
Market Viability of Bathroom Rental Services Previous attempts at renting out bathrooms have struggled, questioning the sustainability and demand for such services in the long term. 3
Health and Hygiene Standards Concerns about hygiene and damage in rented restrooms emphasize the need for clear health standards and regulations for such services. 4