Uber Plans Shift To E-Bikes And Scooters

Sooner than later, Uber will have more electric bikes and scooters hitting the streets for short, inner city rides.

Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, told the Financial Times that the company is working on shifting its focus from cars to the two-wheeled vehicles for shorter, inner-city journeys as part of its long-term strategy.

“During rush hour, it is very inefficient for a one-tonne hulk of metal to take one person 10 blocks,” Khosrowshahi told the Financial Times. “We’re able to shape behaviour in a way that’s a win for the user. It’s a win for the city.”

The decision is part of Uber capitalizing on a new trend. U.S. startups such as Bird, Jump, Spin, and Lime have raised billions in venture capital by renting out e-bikes and scooters for short city rides. Uber has already acquired one of those startups, Jump, in April, and has begun offering bikes and scooters in U.S. cities through its app.

However, Uber’s plan to focus on the two-wheeled vehicles is bad news for Uber drivers who already feel the strain by low wages. But in the long term, Khosrowshahi argued that drivers would ultimately be hired for longer, more expensive rides while facing less congested roads.

By: Maytinee Kramer