Like rival Uber Technologies Inc., Lyft Inc. is expanding its focus beyond ride-sharing to other modes of transport.

The company today took the effort a big step forward by launching an electric scooter service in Denver. The move comes two months after Lyft followed Uber into the alternative transportation market with the acquisition of Motivate Inc., the largest bike-sharing provider in the US. The startup also boasted a sizable scooter-sharing operation.

Lyft secured a permit to operate the lightweight electric vehicles in Denver a few weeks after the deal. Under the agreement with city officials, the company is making 250 scooters available for users on launch and will gradually grow the fleet to 350 units. This will include 100 vehicles for low-income “opportunity areas” underserved by public transportation.

Lyft’s scooters are dockless, meaning that users can leave them in the first suitable spot after a trip so long as they’re within the authorized service area. According to The Verge,  the models have a top speed of about 15 miles per hour and can cover approximately 15 miles on a single charge. The scooters be available for rent from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

One of the main factors that have made scooter and bike sharing services so popular in the cities where they’ve emerged is their competitive pricing. Lyft has decided to follow the industry practice, making its vehicles accessible for a $1 unlock fee plus 15 cents per mile traveled.

The company is facing a lot of competition. Besides Lyft, Denver city officials have also given scooter and bike share permits to four other companies, including Jump Bikes, which was acquired by Uber earlier this year. More than a dozen contenders in this market are actively working to secure regulatory approvals in new markets as they expand their operations.

Lyft’s next stop will be Santa Monica, California, where it plans to start offering scooters on Sept. 17. Last week, the company also received a permit from authorities in Los Angeles.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons