Google maps to list Spin e-scooters as transport option

Spin e-scooters and e-bikes will show up as a transportation option on Google maps, Ford announced Monday. 

Through integrating with Google maps, users will see in real-time the nearest available Spin rental. Google will also show how long it will take to walk to the vehicle, as well as an estimated battery range and arrival time, according to the announcement.

Users will be directed to the Spin app to pay for and unlock the scooter or bike. 

“This collaboration with Google is our biggest platform integration yet with many more in the pipeline,” Spin CEO Ben Bear said in a statement. 

Users will be able to locate Spin scooters and bikes in 84 towns, cities and campuses in the U.S., Canada, Germany and Spain. 

Spin’s integration with Google follows competing e-scooter rental company Lime’s launch on Google maps in 2019. 

The announcement also comes after Bloomberg reported in May that Ford is considering divesting Spin, or merging the unit with a special purpose acquisition company.