Tesla 's recently launched robotaxi service is surprising riders with a humorous "tipping" feature, which has prompted a reaction from the electric vehicle maker’s CEO, Elon Musk. Users of the autonomous service are presented with an option to tip their driverless ride, only to be met with a "Just Kidding" message and a cyberpunk hedgehog image when they attempt to do so. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showcased the app's post-ride screen, which includes typical rating and feedback options alongside the mock tipping buttons. Elon Musk reposted the video on his X account, quipping, "Had to be done lol." While sharing the clip, the X user wrote: “Here’s what happens when you try tipping the @robotaxi 😂😂😂@elonmusk @Tesla_AI”
Tesla’s robotaxi service is now available in Texas: What we know so far
Tesla recently launched its robotaxi service in Austin for a limited group of users, marking a key milestone in the company's pursuit of full autonomy after years of delays. Despite the vehicles being operated without human drivers, Tesla employees were present in the passenger seats for safety monitoring.
The rise of driverless taxis poses a potential threat to the livelihoods of millions of human drivers in the taxi and ride-hailing industries. It also reignites debate over tipping—an issue Tesla playfully referenced in its app, but one that remains a serious point of contention between drivers and passengers. Take a look at Tesla's tipping feature here.
While tipping is widely viewed as customary in settings like restaurants, it's less common in ride-hailing. A study by data analytics firm Gridwise (seen by Business Insider) found that only 28% of Uber and Lyft rides in the first five months of 2024 included a tip. For independent contractors working with these platforms, tips remain a crucial part of their earnings.
Tesla’s robotaxi service is now available in Texas: What we know so far
Tesla recently launched its robotaxi service in Austin for a limited group of users, marking a key milestone in the company's pursuit of full autonomy after years of delays. Despite the vehicles being operated without human drivers, Tesla employees were present in the passenger seats for safety monitoring.
The rise of driverless taxis poses a potential threat to the livelihoods of millions of human drivers in the taxi and ride-hailing industries. It also reignites debate over tipping—an issue Tesla playfully referenced in its app, but one that remains a serious point of contention between drivers and passengers. Take a look at Tesla's tipping feature here.
Here’s what happens when you try tipping the @robotaxi 😂😂😂@elonmusk @Tesla_AI pic.twitter.com/S8oZassq0K
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) June 22, 2025
While tipping is widely viewed as customary in settings like restaurants, it's less common in ride-hailing. A study by data analytics firm Gridwise (seen by Business Insider) found that only 28% of Uber and Lyft rides in the first five months of 2024 included a tip. For independent contractors working with these platforms, tips remain a crucial part of their earnings.
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