What’s Brat-green, electric and everywhere? No, not a lizard struck by lightning. It’s a Lime bike in London. Since its launch in the capital in 2018, the hire e-bike provider has become as integral to getting about as the Tube. Now, the cycle hire provider has set its sights on wheeling out in the Second City and beyond.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has selected Lime as the official regional hire scheme for micromobility (the collective term for bikes and scooters). From April 1, more than 2,000 new bikes and e-scooters will flood the streets—following a competitive bidding process.
Until now, cycle hire has cost the taxpayer £1.4m a year to run. This new agreement means that for the first time, the scheme will operate at no extra cost. Lime is introducing a new fare structure, but has committed to maintaining existing overall price levels for the first two years to make sure sustainable travel remains affordable
“By bringing in a brand-new fleet of bikes and scooters and freezing prices for the next two years, we’re making sure there’s a practical and affordable green alternative for shorter journeys – helping to tackle traffic congestion and improve the air we breathe,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.
“And by securing a partnership that operates at no cost to the taxpayer, we are saving the public purse more than £1 million a year. This is money we can now reinvest back into our regional transport, delivering better journeys for everyone.”
Previously, Voi ran an e-scooter trial in Birmingham before being replaced by a new operator, Beryl. As with the existing scheme, Lime e-scooters will only be available in Birmingham and on the University of Warwick campus, but local councils, TfWM, and Lime can work together to grow the network.
Tom Newham, Lime Senior Manager of Public Affairs, said: “The West Midlands is well-suited and primed for this, with multiple towns and city centres close together and a strong public transport network. Through WMCA’s continued investment in micromobility and supporting infrastructure, there’s a real drive to make e-bikes and e-scooters a popular, practical and affordable choice for getting around.
“From our experience running schemes in towns and cities across the UK, we understand what it takes to run a service people use and rely on every day. We’re looking forward to working with communities in every part of the West Midlands to build a service that’s run locally and works for everyone – whether they ride Lime or not.”
Full details are being finalised and will be announced, along with the launch of a new app for customers, closer to the start of the new service.