Lyft, the U.S.-based ride-hailing giant, is officially expanding into Europe with the €175 million acquisition of FREENOW, a German multi-mobility platform. This marks Lyft’s first venture outside North America and signals a bold move to compete globally—particularly against Uber.
The transaction is set to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Once finalized, Lyft and FREENOW will integrate their platforms, allowing users to access either app across Europe and North America.
“Over time, riders will be able to seamlessly use both apps regardless of their location,” said a Lyft spokesperson. The integration aims to simplify international mobility for millions of users.
Lyft Strategic Leap into Global Mobility
Founded in Hamburg as myTaxi in 2009 and rebranded as FREENOW in 2019, the company operates in 150+ cities across nine European countries, including the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland. FREENOW is jointly owned by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both of which are now exiting the ride-hailing space to refocus on electrification and AI technologies.
With over 50 million annual users and more than €1 billion in 2024 gross bookings, FREENOW brings a profitable and multimodal platform into Lyft’s portfolio. The app includes taxis, private cars, e-scooters, e-mopeds, and e-bikes, which helps it stand out in Europe’s dense urban environments.
“After perfecting our service in North America, now is the right time to scale globally,” said Lyft CEO David Risher.
Lyft emphasized its intention to preserve FREENOW’s local-first model and respect European regulatory frameworks. “We’re committed to entering the market responsibly and enhancing, not disrupting, the competitive landscape,” the company added.
Expansion, Integration, and Future Plans
The acquisition more than doubles Lyft’s total addressable market, tapping into over 300 billion annual personal vehicle trips across Europe. It also adds an estimated $1.14 billion in annual gross bookings, boosting Lyft’s revenue potential significantly.
FREENOW’s reputation for high-quality service, including luxury and professional vehicles, gives Lyft a valuable competitive edge, especially in key cities like London, Paris, and Berlin.
For European users, no immediate changes are expected, but new features and benefits will be introduced gradually. Eventually, both apps will be interchangeable, offering a seamless experience for users who travel between continents.
FREENOW drivers can expect access to Lyft’s advanced tools, flexible incentives, and earnings optimization features, while in-app upgrades like real-time safety features and AI-based pricing are likely to roll out across Europe.
This move comes as Uber, Bolt, and Gett battle for market share across Europe. Lyft’s differentiated approach—focusing on multimodal transport, integration, and profitability—positions it as a serious contender.
A Shift in the Global Ride-Hailing Race
The acquisition underscores a broader shift toward consolidation and global mobility integration. It also allows BMW and Mercedes-Benz to step back from the competitive ride-hailing sector and focus on core automotive innovations.
For Lyft, this isn’t just an expansion—it’s a reinvention. The company is aligning itself for long-term growth, increased international relevance, and a stronger foothold in future-ready transport solutions.
Lyft’s European debut is a significant milestone that could redefine competition and innovation in urban mobility—and Europe may be only the beginning.
