Hold on tight Melbourne, the wheels are turning on an Uber-like scooter service.

The Victorian capital is set to become a guinea pig for an Australian-first two-wheel, ride-share service courtesy of start-up company Scooti.

The ride-sharing app on Tuesday announced it would recruit a team of about 50 licensed motorbike riders as it gears up to launch its Melbourne operation next month.

On the congested roads of Melbourne, Scooti claims it will have a clear edge on its market competitors, including Uber, Taxify and Shebah, getting its helmet-wearing users from point-to-point “quicker, cheaper and in an environmentally-cleaner fashion”.

“The main advantage of Scooti is, of course, getting where you want to go sooner. Two wheels have a distinct advantage in busy traffic,” founder Cameron Nadi said.

“It’s more cost-effective than other chauffeur-driven ride-sharing options, and creates less emissions than most other public or shared transport.”

Mr Nadi said similar scooter taxi models had found a niche in other traffic-heavy cities, including Amsterdam, Florence and Hong Kong.

“Melbourne’s transport issues are an ongoing problem, but the city’s commitment to innovation is also real and we’re here to be part of the solution,” he added.

The service has also pledged to cater for women who feel most comfortable riding as a scooter pillion passenger with a female rider.

Depending on the success of the Melbourne-based trial, Scooti has plans to roll out the two-wheel app to Sydney and Brisbane commuters within the next 12 months.

-AAP