Report: Lyft to Debut Electric Scooter Service

Ride-hailing service Lyft Inc. is preparing to introduce an electric scooter option in San Francisco, sources tell The Information.

The online tech news website says Lyft has been developing prototypes and in recent weeks asked the city’s transportation officials about apply for permits. Proponents say such scooters could reduce traffic congestion by handling short trips that otherwise would be handled by ride-hailing services or privately owned vehicles.

San Francisco plans to open its first formal application process for such services this week after three startups—Bird, Lime and Spin—began operating electric scooter services without city permission.

The city initially will grant permits to five companies, according to The Information. Operators will be allowed to deploy a combined 1,250 scooters for six months, and double that number for the following six months.

The news service says it isn’t clear whether Lyft would be ready to participate in this first round of pilot tests. Other companies are already offering electric scooter rental services in several U.S. cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington, D.C.