San Francisco June 17 (IANS) U.S. ride-hailing leader Uber is going to launch its new e-bikes sharing service in Seattle the largest city in the west U.S. state of Washington state next month according to a media report.
The new Uber service to be provided by JUMP a bike-share startup acquired by Uber in April will be immediately available soon after the Seattle City Council approves a bike-share permit programme in the city in July The Seattle Times newspaper said.
The arrival of the Uber-backed JUMP would heighten the competition among the companies that s brought 10 000 bikes available for low-cost rental scattered in nearly all corners of the city reported Xinhua news agency quoting the newspaper.
San Francisco-based Uber is poised to face strong challenge from three other rivals Spin ofo and Lime which are already operating in Seattle on one-year permits that expire in July.
"We ll make a decision to apply for a permit once we see the regulations... We do hope to launch in Seattle " Uber spokesman Nathan Hambley said.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to present a proposal on the permit program to the City Council for approval next month.
The SDOJ wants to formulate measures to allow bike-sharing service without seeing bikes parked haphazardly in the city a phenomenon often complained about by residents.
SDOT spokeswoman Mafara Hobson said the city s forthcoming regulations will try to address that issue by adopting a strong proactive approach to manage bike-share parking "ensuring that the companies keep sidewalks curb ramps and transit access clear."
Uber s e-bikes are electric assisted which still need to pedal but an electric motor (with a maximum speed of 32 km per hour) will help especially riding uphill.

--IANS nir