DENVER — You can now open your Uber app and book an electric bike in Denver.
Uber announced Friday that it had launched its first dockless electric bike shares in the greater downtown area of Denver. The program is called JUMP.
The bikes will become available to book at noon Friday.
“Our mission at JUMP is to get more people on bikes, so they have affordable and convenient ways to move around without needing a car,” said Ryan Rzepecki, co-founder and CEO of JUMP bikes. “We believe bikeshare will be a permanent cornerstone of Denver’s transportation system, and give Denver residents yet another option to move about the city. Affordable and environmentally friendly, bikeshare has the potential to ease congestion and helps to support Denver’s mobility goals.”
The JUMP bikes are electric-assist and can provide a boost of up to 20 mph with every pedal, to ease uphill climbs or longer rides. The bikes also have an integrated lock and GPS features to ensure the bikes are locked to a physical feature, like a bike rack or street sign. Uber said this technology will help ensure the bikes are kept off streets and crosswalks.
In a press release, Uber said 250 bikes will be distributed throughout the dockless bike share pilot area, which serves neighborhoods including Highlands, RiNo, Cherry Creek and Hilltop.
It costs $1 to start a JUMP bike. The first five minutes are free and each additional minute costs 15 cents.
JUMP bikes launched in 2017 and the company was acquired by Uber is May 2018. JUMP bikes are already available in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Santa Cruz, Chicago, Austin, Sacramento and parts of New York City.
Here’s how JUMP bikes work: First, a user should open their Uber app. Then, tap the menu in the top left corner of the app and select “Bikes.” A list of available bikes near the user will show up and they can select one to reserve. The app will provide a pin number needed to unlock the bike.
Denver approved permits for dockless scooters and bikes in late July.