Lime e-scooters back on Auckland streets

Lime returned to Auckland on September 4 after being awarded permits to operate a fleet of 830 Jump e-scooters and 500 e-bikes, acquiring Jump’s global business from Uber several months ago.

“Over the last nine months we have taken the time to reflect on how we can be a better and more reliable partner to Auckland,” Lime president Joe Kraus says.

“Our top priority is providing consistent and safe services for our riders while paying special attention to public spaces, pedestrians and vulnerable populations.”

For riders, the biggest difference is that Lime’s fleet is no longer green in Auckland, but red – and there will be a helmet for every vehicle.

Lime is rolling out a range of additional safety initiatives too.

Riders will also be invited to participate in the micromobility company’s First Ride programme – a 30 minute hands-on scooter safety course for new riders to learn to ride in a safe environment. The programme also covers parking etiquette.

Lime’s fleet of Jump scooters are custom-built for sharing, with large, 24cm wheels, dual braking, a wide footboard and lower centre of gravity for better stability and rider balance.

The hire rate is $1 to unlock and 45 cents per minute.

The Jump bike is a comfortable, electric pedal assisted vehicle with a reputation for safety. Jump bikes have swappable batteries and up to 60km range.

The scooters and e-bikes will be available for hire on both the Uber and Lime platforms.  Riders who use the Lime app will be able to take advantage of special launch promos and Lime Pass daily and monthly offers.

Lime partners with Google Maps, making multimodal trip planning even easier in Auckland.

More than 150,000 e-scooters and e-bikes are operated daily by Lime in at least 120 cities in 24 countries.

In New Zealand, Lime operates in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Selwyn District.

Other e-scooter and e-bike companies can operate in Auckland from September 4 as well.