SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Uber will remove all rental bikes and scooters from San Diego next week, the company said Thursday.
The rideshare company, which expanded into rentals, will cease its two-wheeled operations Sept. 19. Uber will continue to operate in partnership with Naval Base San Diego and Naval Base Point Loma.
“We agree with local elected officials in San Diego who’ve said current micromobility regulations foster an unsustainable operating environment, which is why we’re ending our operations as of today. We look forward to working with the city to develop more sensible regulations,” a company spokesperson told 10News.
"This is simply a market correction in an oversaturated industry that jeopardizes the safety of San Diegans and visitors. I continue to call for a moratorium on electric scooters until we develop a fiscally responsible and well thought-out plan that priorities public and environmental safety," said City Councilwoman Barbara Bry.
In May, the San Diego City Council implemented new regulations for dockless scooters as a way to increase public safety while also allowing the companies to stay in San Diego. Companies were required to pay a permit fee of about $5,000 every six months, create corrals, and enforce a speed limit as low as 3 miles per hour in certain areas. The rules also banned parking scooters near schools, hospitals, or near Petco Park.
Uber brought the red and black JUMP e-scooters and bikes into the San Diego market in fall 2018, offering free rides during the introductory period. The scooters are currently available in 13 U.S. cities, according to Uber’s website. JUMP bikes are available in 20 U.S. cities.
“We plan to work with the city to help build sensible regulations in the near future and look forward to returning to San Diego in the future,” Uber officials said.
