Lime Auckland e-scooter suspension lifted

Lime electric scooters could be back on Auckland’s streets on March 2.

Suspension has been lifted by the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport after reassurances from Lime it will meet conditions imposed by the two agencies.

Announcing removal of the suspension on March 1, council chief operating officer Dean Kimpton says information received from Lime had met expectations and he expects the scooters back in use in Auckland as soon as Saturday.

Lime’s Auckland trial until March 31 was suspended on February 22 following safety concerns about an alleged glitch in which some scooter wheels randomly locked, sending riders flying.

Lime says it has fixed the issue with a firmware update.

Kimpton outlined further conditions for Lime’s reintroduction in Auckland, which include weekly scooter inspections, notification within 24 hours of any incidents and 48 hours for any serious safety aspects whether here or overseas, regular updates, and immediate removal of any scooters which cannot be properly maintained.

As part of the Lime ambassador programme, the council also wants Lime by March 6 to upgrade the programme, including having at least two people available seven days.