Uber launches app-based electric 'Jump' bikes on the streets of London

Uber is launching an on-demand electric bike service in London as it vies to accelerate hopes for a bicycle and scooter sharing app in Britain.

The bicycles, called Jump bikes, will feature on Uber's app, letting users unlock an electric bicycle capable of speeds up to 15 miles per hour.

The ride-hailing giant will unleash 350 bright red Jump bikes onto the streets of the capital, starting its pilot scheme in the borough of Islington.

The bikes will cost £1 to unlock and 12p per minute to ride, with the first five minutes free. Riders will be able to find bikes through the app and will be guided to leave them in special service areas. The app will also feature no parking zones, such as around hospitals, stadiums and canals. Users can be fined £25 if they dump the bike or end the trip in a no parking zone.

The arrival of Jump bikes is just the latest drive from Uber to introduce so-called "micromobility" services to the UK, although it will face competition from the City's Boris Bikes, which are cheaper at just £2 for 24 hours of hire.

Uber has already launched its electric bikes under the Jump brand in the US and Canada, as well as Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon and Paris.

The ride-hailing firm, which went public earlier this month with a valuation of $82bn, is also eyeing the launch of electric scooters around the world.

The UK currently makes it illegal to ride electric scooters on roads or pavements, although Uber and other scooter companies like the start-ups Bird and Lime, are hoping to launch on-demand scooters in Britain if the laws change. Electric bikes, on the other hand, are perfectly legal to ride in the UK.

Uber Northern Europe head Jamie Heywood said: “Introducing Jump bikes, will help make the city a cleaner place to live, and help London breathe.”