US tech giant Google is to offer some employees a free electric scooter in an attempt to lure them back to its offices after two and a half years working remotely.
Reports in The Verge suggest Google is planning to partner with e-scooter brand Unagi to launch a new program called Ride Scooter. As part of the scheme, most US-based employees will be able to get reimbursed for the full cost of a monthly subscription to Unagi’s Model One scooter.
The Model One is a lightweight machine that has a top speed of 20mph and a range of around 15.5 miles. In the UK the Unagi costs £899 and is offered in a range of colours.
Unagi’s founder and CEO David Hyman told The Verge that the new initiative was to help staff with the transition back to working in the office or to get them to the nearest bus stop.
Google employees who sign up to the program are required to complete at least nine commutes using the Unagi e-scooter so they can be fully reimbursed the $49 (£37) monthly subscription fee.
The tech giant is opening up the new perk to employees at its offices in Mountain View, California, as well as Seattle, Kirkland, Irvine, Sunnyvale, Playa Vista, Austin, and New York City.
Google and Unagi will also be hosting a number of demo days for employees to test ride the Model One at various office locations.
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