In order for an app-based ride to be legal in the five boroughs, the platform must register for a “base” with the TLC — a facility where cars are dispatched to passengers and operated by the company. Empower doesn’t have one. The company is supposed to pay a $1,500 application fee to secure the base, and insure each of its vehicles. —https://gothamist.com/news/unlicensed-e-hail-app-defies-nyc-taxi-rules-offers-cheaper-rides-than-uber-and-lyft
I am not familiar with Empower (ride sharing apps are illegal here in the NL) but that used to be the case too with Uber and Lyft, back before they established themselves and needed to increase profitability