Uber is about to disrupt the market again, but you can use the same app for these trips
It’s already turned the taxi game on its head, now the ride-sharing giant has Adelaide’s smaller scale public transport options in its sights.
SA News
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Uber plans to disrupt the Adelaide e-scooter and bicycle market with expansion plans for its popular Jump e-bikes.
The bright red e-bikes, which travel at up to 30km/h – twice the speed of current e-scooters – would be available on the same app Uber uses for its car ride-share services.
Uber announced late last year that it would move into the Australian market and this month has advertised for a “senior operations manager” based in Adelaide.
The successful applicant would need a “black belt in problem-solving” to co-ordinate the new service, according to Uber.
“As the senior operations manager, you will create the operational strategies, establish and refine processes, and drive the innovation that will determine the continued success of not only Jump in Adelaide, but will lay the blueprint for future Jump systems everywhere in Australia,’’ the company advertisement states.
“You will focus on ensuring our operations are safe for riders and contractors as well as efficient in executing on what needs to be done to make our business a success in Adelaide.”
The Adelaide job will manage “a large and diverse team of field technicians and/or mechanics, overseeing our operations in the field”.
An Uber spokeswoman would not say when the Australian operations would begin, but said details would emerge “soon”, along with which other cities would have the option.
“As part of our vision to become the operating system for everyday life, the one Uber app provides Uber customers with the ability to book a ride, order meals and groceries and will soon unlock an e-bike in certain Australian cities,’’ the spokesman said.
“People in more than 30 world-class cities have already discovered the convenience of Jump.”
Control of how Jump would operate would be managed by councils, with the vehicles likely to only be allowed to park on footpaths, not ride on them.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll, who is a supporter of emerging transport technology, said he was looking forward to how the e-bikes might safely work.
“The Marshall Government is committed to improving connectivity within our CBD that will support businesses and provide better services for locals and tourists alike,’’ he said.
“Last year we fast-tracked regulations to allow e-scooters within our CBD ahead of the Fringe to help people move around the city faster and easier.
“South Australians and visitors have embraced e-scooters, which also provide a great first and last-mile option for people wanting to get around the city.”
Jump has been controversial in some international cities because it does not use docking stations and the bikes can be scattered across footpaths.
Founded in 2010, Jump pioneered dockless bike share and has deployed more than 14,000 bikes in six countries.
“This year Jump is launching the next generation of e-mobility options across Australia and New Zealand,’’ the spokeswoman said.
“Our goal is to transform cities, making them more sustainable, equitable and liveable through electric mobility.”
Internationally, Uber operates e-scooters using the Jump service — also via the Uber app — but in Adelaide e-scooters are controlled through a council tender process and it is not known if Uber will compete for this in future years.
miles.kemp@news.com.au