Uber to redirect focus to bikes and electric scooters

Uber intends to focus more on its electric scooter and bike business as it says individual modes of transport are better-suited to inner city travel. Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, believes users will make more frequent, shorter journeys in the future, the Financial Times reports. "During rush hour, it is very inefficient for a one-tonne hulk of metal to take one person ten blocks,” he says. Uber’s Jump electric bikes are now available in eight US cities such as San Francisco and Washington DC, and are
August 28, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

8336 Uber intends to focus more on its electric scooter and bike business as it says individual modes of transport are better-suited to inner city travel.

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, believes users will make more frequent, shorter journeys in the future, the %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external Financial Times Financial Times website link false https://www.ft.com/content/986d878a-a7c4-11e8-8ecf-a7ae1beff35b false false%> reports.

"During rush hour, it is very inefficient for a one-tonne hulk of metal to take one person ten blocks,” he says.

Uber’s Jump electric bikes are now available in eight US cities such as San Francisco and Washington DC, and are set to launch in Berlin.

The ride-sharing company has also joined forces with electric scooter company Lime.

Khosrowshahi recognises that Uber makes more money from a car journey than a bike trip - but says this would be offset as users engage with the app more regularly for shorter journeys.
"We are willing to trade off short-term per-unit economics for long-term higher engagement."

The move comes as Uber announced it was to supply its proprietary self-driving system to %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external Toyota Sienna Minivans Uber website link false https://www.uber.com/newsroom/uber-toyota-team-self-driving-cars/ false false%>. “Rather than owning and operating the fleet of self-driving vehicles, these minivans will be owned and operated by an agreed upon third party, a new business model for Uber,” the company said in a statement.

Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • National law enforcement challenge webinar
    January 9, 2015
    Laser Technology (LTI) is partnering with the International Association of Chiefs of Police's (IACP) National Law Enforcement Challenge (NLEC) traffic safety recognition program to broadcast a live webinar on 20 January 2015 at 0930 am (MST). The 2015 National Law Enforcement Challenge Quick-Start Guide webinar will give new and returning applicants helpful information about the Challenge and the most effective tips to jump-start the application process. The NLEC is a friendly competition between agen
    Read More
  • Singapore-based Unitronic Components showcases mPOS solutions
    October 24, 2014
    Unitronic Components will be showcasing its integrated mPOS solution at CARTES 2014. The Singapore-based company says it aims to deliver all-in-one solutions for retailers and merchants in the ordering and payment industry.
    Read More
  • Flir webinar – how to detect bicycles in mixed traffic
    May 27, 2015
    Flir Traficon Academy’s latest webinar, How to Detect and Count Bicycles in Mixed Traffic, takes place on 28 May at 0730 CEST, 1330 CEST and 1830 CEST. The webinar will demonstrate the power of thermal imaging technology in making a distinction between cycles and other vehicles and explains in detail the functions and features of the detector.
    Read More
  • Innovative cycle management system encourages cycle use
    February 28, 2014
    BMS Bicycle Management System is the new way of cycle parking designed to provide a solution to many city councils to get their city centres neat and clean and encourage bicycle use. The system incorporates a mobile app that enables a cyclist to easily find a free bike parking place at their destination on a smartphone.
    Read More

Highlighted Content