The firm is bringing the US-based Jump electric bike-share start up to Europe, starting in Berlin this summer, and then rolling out to other cities.
Uber purchased Jump just two months ago and the distinctive, red e-bikes are already present in cities like San Francisco and Washington D.C., where they can be hired at rates of just $2 for half-an-hour.
The service enables Jump customers to find an available bike via the app, take a ride and then just lock it up wherever they finish the trip. Uber is currently piloting a scheme to integrate Jump access within the main app.
https://youtu.be/aPifQltyUdU
Uber’s quick efforts to bring Jump to Europe come as it battles a number of controversies and a decidedly less-welcoming environment in Europe, compared to its U.S. homeland.
The ride-sharing service is currently banned in London after Transport for London revoked its operating license in the capital. It has also been forced into shutting down some services in countries like Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
The Jump introduction is part of a charm offensive in Europe, but sees the firm enter a competitive market. Berlin already has 18,000 bikes (via The Verge) available to residents and tourists.
“I want this to signal a deep commitment to Germany,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said at the event (via Reuters).
“Germany is a little bit of a signal of what the new Uber can be like… We want to work with local governments and cities to make our model work.”
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/uber-brings-e-bike-sharing-app-jump-europe-3482293#dHS4RqYRlRsffxfo.99