The thrall of driving for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft is usually centered around how you determine your own hours, so you can work for as long or as little as you want. Offering rides during peak times can result in higher pay, whether it’s from prices increasing or because there are more requests. With this power in the driver’s hands, it seems like a simple decision for many who are interested in this position. However, there are other costs that potential drivers may not know about. Let’s go over what the costs of driving for Uber and Lyft entail.

Wheels, which shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now restarting its shared electric scooter service. As the company reopens, it plans to promote itself as a safer alternative form of transportation from cities still impacted by the pandemic.

The company plans to reopen in Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas Austin, and Orlando, with additional expansions to new locations soon. Wheels has spent the company’s downtime by working to maintain a safe operating environment on its seated electric scooters.

Earlier this week, we discussed Uber’s and Lyft’s plans to suspend operations in cities with curfews around the country amid protests, riots, and looting. Now, however, the rideshare companies are looking to provide services in those areas to reduce the continued risk of profit loss.

In some cities, officials have suspended Uber and Lyft operations during curfews, while others have requested the companies suspend operations on their own accord. While the companies originally planned to comply, Uber is now saying their shutdown will be contingent on Lyft shutting down operations first.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many e-scooter companies to pull their devices from streets worldwide, new figures from the market analysis firm Berg Insight suggest the e-scooter market could experience a significant expansion once lockdown measures are lifted.

The e-scooter market is expected to continue to experience a temporary contraction in 2020, but projections for the next four years show a significant increase. As of 2019, there were 774,000 share scooters in operation around the world. By 2024, however, it’s suspected there will be 4.6 million devices in operation.

Nearly a month after the federal government expanded jobless aid to gig workers with the CARES Act amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber and Lyft drivers are struggling to receive unemployment benefits.

A number of Uber and Lyft drivers spoke to CBS News to share their struggles with receiving the unemployment benefits they’re owed. Many of them have run into issues with their rideshare company and unemployment office making contradicting statements.