Lime investigates car expansion

Electric scooter provider Lime could soon be moving into the short-term car rental business.

However, initially they would be offering petrol-powered two seat Fiat 500s, rather than electric vehicles.

Lime founder Toby Sun told the NZ Herald it would see permission to create LimePods in Auckland Council-owned carparks.

LimePods were first introduced in Seattle last year.

The Fiats would be unlocked using a smartphone app, with a US$1 ($1.44) fee to unlock the car and the per minute price is up to US40c (60c).

“We take a user-centric approach and a lot of people want to take longer trips that might not be a good fit for a scooter. So we’re piloting the LimePod programme,” Sun told the Herald.

“We want people to use micro-mobility in high-density areas maybe and car-share or pod-share for suburban areas.”

In time, Sun would like to convert Pod to an electric vehicle fleet.

In the meantime, Lime would cover all fuel and insurance costs, with a non-removable key is in the ignition and an auto-lock feature kicking in once the ride is over.

Drivers also need to have a full licence for at least a year and a clean driving record.

Other carshare companies include electric car company Yoogo, established operator City Hop and Mevo.

An Auckland Council spokeswoman told the Herald it hasn’t been formally approached about the idea, but is open to meeting Lime.

Negotiations for LimePods could begin after a final decision is made about whether its electric scooters can stay in Auckland after the March 31 trial ends.