Uber is reportedly holding talks to buy electric scooter firms Bird and Lime

Getty

• Uber has held talks about acquiring electric scooter companies Bird and Lime, The Information and the Financial Times report.
• The FT spoke with sources familiar with all three companies, who said the talks are at an early stage and could still fall apart.
• Uber launched its own scooters through Jump in October.

Uber has reportedly held talks about a multi-billion dollar acquisition of electric scooter startups Bird and Lime.

The Information originally reported Uber's interest in the buzzy scooter firms, while sources familiar with all three companies told the Financial Times that the talks are still at an early stage.

The Information said a deal for either company could help Uber alleviate scooter supply constraints after launching its Jump brand of two-wheeled vehicles in October.

Read more: Uber's plan to buy UK delivery giant Deliveroo has stalled, with the 2 sides said to be 'miles apart' on valuation

Bird and Lime are both unicorns - tech companies valued at over $1 billion - and both have expanded internationally this year.

Uber declined to comment when contacted by the FT, and Lime did not comment directly on the talks. Bird's CEO told the FT in a statement: "Bird is not for sale."

Uber has been exploring multiple acquisitions this year, acquiring e-bike company Jump Bikes in April, and reportedly attempting to acquire British food delivery firm Deliveroo.

Business Insider contacted Uber, Bird, and Lime for comment.