Lime bicycle scheme arrives in the Black Country today
A new ebike and escooter scheme which has proved to be a ‘hit’ in Birmingham is being rolled out into the Black Country
A new ebike and escooter scheme which has proved to be a ‘hit’ in Birmingham is being rolled out into the Black Country.
Lime’s micro mobility programme will be expanded into Sandwell and Wolverhampton from today (1st June) with bosses hoping to repeat the success enjoyed in the region so far.
The company launched the hire scheme in Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry in April.
Lime said around 86% of the people using Lime in the West Midlands had never ridden one of their bikes elsewhere before.
They added they were getting repeat users with more than one in three going on to take another trip within the following week of their first hire.
One rider has even completed more than 240 trips during the scheme’s opening weeks.
Some of Lime’s busiest locations in the West Midlands include Birmingham Moor Street Station, University College Birmingham and student accommodation sites.
And the company said the bikes are not just being used for commuting with weekends being as popular as weekdays and residents travelling between parks, shops, restaurants and transport hubs in Birmingham.
Tom Newham, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Lime UK&I, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people across the West Midlands embrace Lime during the first few months of the scheme.
“We’ve seen riders quickly make shared e-bikes part of their everyday routines, whether that’s commuting, connecting to public transport, meeting friends or travelling around the city centre.
“As we expand into the Black Country from June 1, we’re excited to bring the benefits of shared and affordable transport to even more communities across the region and continue working closely with local partners to support active travel.”
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “Lime’s new e-bikes have already proven a hit in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull and I’m sure they will be just as successful in Sandwell and Wolverhampton.
“These new bikes with e-powered pedalling open up active travel to even more people, especially those who thought their cycling days were behind them.
“Alongside our ongoing investment in safer cycle routes, this will help people choose cycling as an affordable, cleaner and greener way to get around our towns and cities.”