ADVERTISEMENT

Uber is pulling its Jump bikes from Providence, Rhode Island, because of misuse and assaults linked to the e-bikes (UBER)

  • Uber is temporarily pulling its Jump electric bikes off the road in Providence, Rhode Island.
  • This decision comes after a number of reported assaults in August that have been linked to the e-bike ride-sharing program.
  • The company hopes to start returning some of the bikes in the fall.
  • Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories.
ADVERTISEMENT

Uber is temporarily pulling its dockless e-bikes from Providence, Rhode Island following reports of misuse.

Several bikes have been damaged or used during criminal activity according to local media reports. Pulling the bikes will allow Uber and the Providence Police Department to locate and retrieve stolen bikes, Uber said in an emailed to statement to Business Insider.

"Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and after acts of vandalism on JUMP bikes, we have decided in partnership with the City, to temporarily remove bikes from operation in Providence," Uber spokesperson Harry Hartfield said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last week, a 41-year-old man was struck in the head and held at gunpoint by a man on a Jump bike demanding money, according to the news publication the Providence Journal. A few days later, a woman told police she saw kids riding Jump bikes reportedly slashed the tires on two dozen cars, Telegram reported .

The news website said local police are investigating reports that the kids used the bikes to block traffic. They are also accused of stealing from a Dollar Tree store, and assaulting two random victims, police said.

The Providence Police Department did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Hartfield, the Uber spokesman, said the company plans to "work with the City and public safety officials and the PD to find solutions that can work for Providence and bring bikes back."

ADVERTISEMENT

The company hopes to return some of the bikes this fall.

See Also:

SEE ALSO: 6 carmakers that are betting electric scooters and bikes not cars are the future of city transportation

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

ADVERTISEMENT