Lime electric bike hire scheme set to launch in Nottingham next spring

Lime electric bikes will be available to hire in Nottingham from spring 2023 thanks to an exclusive partnership between the provider and Nottingham City Council.

A fleet of up to 700 dockless Lime e-bikes will be available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis from virtual parking bays in key city locations. The company will be launching its latest Gen4 e-bike model, which features:

– Built-in front and rear lights – with rear lights that brighten when the bike breaks
– Increased motor power to help riders easily climb hills and restart their ride when stopped/stationary at red traffic lights or zebra crossings
– A phone holder, allowing riders to easily navigate and follow directions without having to stop and check directions
– A modular design, extending the usable life of the vehicle to 5+ years
– Built-in baskets to help people carry shopping or bags
– Range of 64km with batteries monitored by Lime so they can be charged when they run low

Hal Stevenson, senior public affairs manager for Lime in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be launching our e-bikes in Nottingham next year. Our new service will offer residents and visitors an active and sustainable travel option to get around the city.

“We look forward to working closely with Nottingham City Council to successfully deliver the scheme and support their wider plans to install more cycling infrastructure and reduce local reliance upon cars.”

The dockless e-bikes will be available for hire via the Lime app, which can be downloaded on Apple or Android smartphones, via the App store or Google Play. They will cost £1 to unlock and 17p a minute. The e-bikes will work only within Nottingham City Council boundaries.

Councillor Wynter said: “As we face a global climate emergency, it’s more important than ever that our residents have access to more sustainable ways to travel. I’m delighted that we’ll be welcoming ebikes to Nottingham through this new partnership with Lime.

“E-bikes are fun to use and will make shorter trips easier, helping riders cover so much more ground than on foot. With the new ebikes, plus our e-scooter trial, award-winning bus and tram systems, getting around Nottingham will be easier and better than ever.”

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Lime will offer 50% off the cost of e-bike rides for lower-income residents via its Lime Access programme. The programme provides eligible riders – including existing concession pass holders, key workers, students and job seekers – with unlimited discounts with Lime.

Users will be required to park the e-bikes at a number of designated e-bike parking bays, which will be located around the city. Helmets are not provided with the e-bikes, but Lime said it has committed to distributing free helmets at public events in the city once the scheme has launched.