Ride-sharing giant Uber is making an unexpected investment into electric bikes and scooters for inner-city trips. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi cited the inefficiency of moving cars through the absolutely hellish urban slog that is rush hour traffic (not his words).
Bike-sharing startup Jump was acquired by Uber back in April, with Jump’s technology being assimilated into the upcoming Uber Bike program. Uber explains the process behind Uber Bike in a post on their website here.
Electric bikes are being touted as a cheap, healthy, and environmentally friendly transportation option for urban living. Most bikes include GPS technology, as well as features like “e-assist”, which helps riders bike up steep hills.
Because rented bikes have much lower fares than car rides, people are questioning the short-term financial viability of adding bikes to the Uber lineup. In particular, Uber drivers are questioning why their employer is introducing an option that competes with them, especially after the rising number of complaints among drivers about low wages. Uber is assuring its wary drivers that bikes will satisfy the customer need for short urban trips, while the longer, more lucrative trips are reserved for drivers.
