Users of the Uber app now have the greener option to reach their destination. According to a report from BBC, the ride-hail behemoth recently struck a deal with Lime enabling two-wheeled vehicles like scooters and bikes to be included in their services.
On Monday, Lime announced via their website the latest funding round of $335 million led by Google's Alphabet and several other investing companies. The confirmation also made mention of Uber's "sizable investment" as well as "strategic" incentives that will help the e-scooter company expand their operations globally. This includes co-branding some of Lime's scooters and making the service available in the Uber app.
"Our investment and partnership in Lime is another step towards our vision of becoming a one-stop shop for all your transportation needs," Uber representative Rachel Holt was quoted as saying. "Lime already has an expansive footprint, and we're excited to incorporate their scooters into the Uber app so consumers have another fast, affordable option to get around their city, especially to and from public transit."
The deal, which now apparently values Lime at about $1 billion, follows after the heel of its rival, Bird, receiving $300 million funding from venture capital firms.
Lime, formerly known as LimeBike, has its operations based in San Mateo, California. Since its launching in January 2017, Lime scooters can be found in over 50 cities worldwide.
Lime app users pay about $1 to unlock the scooters, and the rate increases by 15 cents the longer they use the vehicle.
Renewable Options
The Uber-Lime deal is yet but another move from Uber to widen its reach for renewable transport service offerings. In April, the company announced its acquisition of the dockless bike-share start-up Jump.
Uber also launched in June a yearlong pilot program which encourages their drivers to switch to electric vehicles in exchange for cash incentives.
