It looks like Lyft is getting ready to keep up with Uber when it comes to ride-hailing companies jumping into the bike-sharing game.
The Information reported on Friday that Lyft is close to acquiring Motivate, a company known for running the docked-bike programs CitiBike in New York City, Ford GoBike in San Francisco, Biketown in Portland and others. The report put the likely price tag at $250 million or more.
Uber got a head start on Lyft this spring when it acquired the dockless electric bike-sharing company JUMP for a reported $200 million. New York-based JUMP is not operating in Seattle yet — though one of its bikes sparked a mystery after being spotted on a Washington State Ferry.
Seattle is already home to a pilot program allowing three dockless bike companies to operate in the city. The colorful LimeBike, Spin and Ofo offerings are everywhere.
The Information reported that Motivate has more than 700 employees and last raised money at a $250 million valuation. The company recently introduced some electric bikes and has been planning a run at dockless bike-sharing, reportedly in Minneapolis and San Jose, Calif., The Information said.
