Uber launches bike sharing product UberMOTO

After Bengaluru, taxi-hailing app Uber today launched a pilot of its bikesharing product— uberMOTO—in Gurgaon. “Uber today announced a pilot of Uber’s bikesharing product - uberMOTO in Gurgaon... This follows our agreement with the government of Haryana to introduce technology based ride-sharing services in the state,” it said in a statement.

The company has set minimum fare at Rs 15, followed by Rs 3 per km and Rs 1 per min of ride-time charges. The minimum fare is Rs 20. It will compete with companies like Baxi. “UberMOTO works towards the vision of reducing congestion by helping fill every empty seat on the bikes on road. It enables riders to push a button and share a motorbike ride within minutes,” Uber Delhi General Manager Gagan Bhatia said. (Also read. After Uber, Jugnoo accuses Ola of unethical practices)

It’s a great way for people to save time and money on short trips across town and provides last mile connectivity— especially to and from the metro stations, he added. Also, Uber will not charge any service fee for the duration of this pilot and will submit a key findings report to the Government, analysing the benefits of bikesharing in the city.

The US-based company had launched a pilot for the product in Bengaluru earlier this month but state road authorities had complained that it lacked requisite permissions to offer two-wheeler taxi service. Uber said it had extensive discussions with the relevant authorities and made modifications to the pilot service. It had said it will also not charge any service fee for the period of this pilot and was essentially encouraging “bikepooling” aimed at decongesting city roads. (Also read. Kenya: Uber car burned in tensions with traditional taxis)

The company will prepare a similar report addressing the viability of the product for Bengaluru as well. Uber’s rival, Ola had also launched a similar bike-sharing service in Bengaluru. However, following the complaint, the Softbank-backed firm had discontinued the service. To book a bike ride, users can choose the uberMOTO option from the Uber app and enter their pickup location and payment method and request a ride.

Similar to cabs, users will get driver’s details straight like name, photo and details of the motorbike. Uber’s standard product safety features include GPS tracking, 2-way feedback and the ability to share trip details with family and friends. (Also read. Uber sues Ola for interfere in business, seeks Rs 49.61 crore as damages)