Unlocking a Lime

Down on Auckland’s waterfront, finding a Lime electric scooter is easy – so we took one for a test ride.

Using the Lime app, we tracked one down quickly on Queens Wharf.

The first one we saw from the office window was “under maintenance”, which explained why it didn’t show on the app.

The next was literally around the corner – two, in fact.

Trying to wheel it to a safe, sheltered place triggered the strident anti-theft alarm, until we realised you’re supposed to unlock it first.

Unlocking is simple using your smartphone and the e-scooter’s handlebar QR code.

First, you have to agree to terms of use and conditions on the app before riding – these include wearing a helmet (BYO), being over 18, having a valid driver’s licence, and obeying traffic rules.

The screen in the centre of the handlebars lights up and you’re good to go using the thumb throttle.

A ride down the Quay Street cycleway got it up to the maximum 27km/h.

In the short stretch between two sets of traffic lights two other Lime riders passed by on the opposite lane with a friendly nod.

It’s fun and easy to ride, doing about 30km on a single charge. “Juicers” are contracted to charge them up overnight, so you don’t have to worry about charging.

They’re great for zipping around downtown for maybe a kilometre or two – perhaps from the office to grab lunch or to get to a public transport site as you lock and leave it where you like (dockless).

We’d recommend wearing a helmet – many don’t, but a fall will risk injury.

These machines are in big demand – we saw plenty more and ours was grabbed as soon as we stopped near a bike rental stand.

Coincidently, a woman on a smaller electric scooter, a guy on an electric skateboard, one on an Onzo bike (that company also introducing e-scooters to Auckland shortly) and another Lime rider all arrived and began chatting and taking group photos.

Oh, and the cost? Ours was $4.20 for 14 minutes (about $18 an hour) – so not real cheap.