About Throne
Throne is a DC-based start-up that is solving bathroom problems.
Our Vision
In a world with Thrones, parents of young children leave home knowing they’ll be able to find a clean bathroom before a request becomes an emergency. Mobile workers, such as rideshare and delivery drivers, focus on keeping our cities moving without losing time or dignity. Small businesses aren’t burdened with the cost of maintaining clean bathrooms for the general public. People with elevated urgency or frequency of nature’s call, leave home with confidence. Tourists spend more time seeking experiences, less time seeking relief. Joggers run freely. Trans and non-binary people know they are welcome.
No one has to ask for a key or a code – they’ve got it on their phone.
What’s the problem?
There is a shortage of clean bathrooms in U.S. cities. This problem has become more pronounced in recent years as urban populations have increased and a rise in the mobile workforce (e.g. rideshare and delivery drivers) has followed. Current bathroom options are insufficient.
Public restrooms are too few and far between. Providing adequate facilities to meet a population’s need is too costly for cities to do alone.
Small businesses and retailers have become the default bathroom for many. Bathroom maintenance costs add up quickly and many businesses curb costs by limiting restroom use to customers, creating an indirect cost, uncomfortable interactions, and at times, inequitable access.
Portable toilets are an option of last resort. They are often locked or highly unpleasant, with no reliable way to find one in a moment of need.
Emergency situations lead to makeshift solutions. Many of these solutions create public health issues and a loss of dignity.
Throne provides a needed supplement to existing options.
FAQs
Is Throne just a big porta-potty?
Thrones are portable and can be placed anywhere, but that’s about where the similarity stops. We’ve designed Thrones to be a really nice bathroom that feels like you are indoors. It has porcelain fixtures and a flushing toilet. It’s also a totally touchless experience -- you can enter, exit, flush and wash your hands all without touching a single surface!
Do I have to pay to use a Throne?
Thrones are free to use for anyone with an active Throne account! All you need to do is download the app, complete a free registration process and “go!”
Where are Thrones located?
Currently Thrones are only in DC. We work with location partners to place Thrones in areas of high bathroom need. To see where Thrones are at any given time, check the app. We are always looking for new spots. If you you’d like a Throne at your business or event, contact us here.
How does Throne stay smelling so good?
Magic! ...just kidding. There are a few reasons. First, Throne’s plumbing is a lot like a typical home or office bathroom that uses water and a P-trap pipe to seal out smells once flushed away. Additionally, Throne’s robust ventilation system turns over the air between users, removing much of the gases that might be lurking around in a typical toilet.
Why should I rate Throne cleanliness?
Each time someone uses a Throne we ask for a cleanliness rating. Tell us what you think… really! We use this data to inform our cleaning schedules as well as clean Thrones on demand. If there is ever a real mess, we will shut down the Throne so no one else has to see it and send a cleaner out immediately.
Can I rent a Throne?
Yes! We work with location partners that want to host a Throne at their business or event. You can learn more here.
