First rental e-scooters hit London’s streets
Lime has deployed 200 of its latest generation e-scooters across London, working with Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils to launch the UK’s largest for-hire e-scooter trial.
Lime, alongside TIER and DOTT, were last month announced as the winning e-scooter operators for London’s 12-month trial.
Riders will be able to locate and hire e-scooters via Lime’s app, but will need to scan their driving licence and successfully complete a virtual safety test before the vehicle can be unlocked.
Lime says the Gen4 scooter is built for safety. It includes modifications specified for the London trial including a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, nine high-visibility reflectors, puncture proof wheels, mountain-bike inspired suspension, always-on LED lights and a double kickstand for stability.
Geofencing technology will also ensure e-scooters are not used or parked outside of designated areas and parking bays, and swappable batteries, says Lime, also reduce the overall environmental impact of maintaining the fleet.
Lime also uses e-cargo bikes to make battery swaps rather than having to transport scooters to and from warehouses for charging.
Alan Clarke, Director, Policy & Government Affairs, for Northern Europe Lime said, “Lime loves London, and three years after launching our e-bikes in the capital, we’re so proud to be deploying our latest Gen4 e-scooters here too. Wherever we operate, safety is always our number one priority, which is why Lime continues to invest in industry leading software and hardware safeguards, such as highly accurate geofencing to control rider speed and behaviour, and on-vehicle technology which can detect pavement riding.”
He adds, “This tech is designed to make our scooters safer for our riders, other road users and pedestrians, helping to create a well-managed and responsibly used service that benefits riders and the cities they ride in. We’re proud to be serving London with another great transport option and can’t wait for Londoners to try it out for themselves!”
