BradLinden

Ah yes, the “human values” that we all so widely agree on /s

The shows make it look like every competitor is always furiously working until the last second: is that actually how it happens or is that just how it’s edited to look?

Yep, on the website they're requesting donations for helmets as well.

He runs the Detroit Bus Company, a seemingly successful (non-profit?) company that's been around Detroit since 2011, helping to address in some part the city's disappointing lack of public transportation.

Based on his story on the website, I don't think "reliable transportation" is the main goal. Rather, in the eyes of the kids, the motorized, light-up scooters are a cool "futuristic" toy that it seems are only available to Detroit's more well-off residents. Therefore he wants them to have the opportunity to enjoy this new thing that others in the city are enjoying.