Ride-share giant launches new transportation option in area

TAMPA — Uber has brought its JUMP brand of electric scooters to Tampa. The ride-share company launched the service on Tuesday at Franklin Manor in downtown Tampa, where it gave away helmets and held a safety demonstration.

The City of Tampa has approved 20 pickup and drop-off locations for the scooters, according to a press release. JUMP scooters, which cost 29 cents per minute to ride, can be activated and managed via the Uber app.

Uber is the latest company to bring the e-scooter craze to Tampa. Over Memorial Day weekend, rival companies Bird, Lime and Spin all began offering scooter access to Tampanians.

“Riders have told us they like having multiple transportation options available within a single app to fit their various needs,” states João Barbara, JUMP’s Florida general manager, in the statement. “Reliability, convenience and choice have long been key attributes of the Uber platform. With those features in mind, we’re excited to now offer access to electric scooters at the push of a button. We thank the City of Tampa for taking the lead in expanding mobility options for Tampa residents.”