Lime e-scooters aim for Tauranga

Lime electric scooters could soon be in Tauranga, and Wellington may be next.

The e-scooter rental company, already running about 1000 in Auckland and 700 in Christchurch, is seeking a permit from the Tauranga City Council.

Lime’s New Zealand launcher Hank Rowe says the company is talking to the council about signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) similar to that signed with the Christchurch City Council, the NZ Herald

reports.

Since launching in New Zealand on October 15, Lime has registered more than 100,000 riders and done 300,000 trips, Rowe says.

Riders book a scooter using an app, with the per minute charge working out around $18 an hour.

The scooters, which reach about 25km/h, caused controversy in Auckland with confusion about rules for use and injury claims.

Helmets are recommended but not needed by law. The e-scooters can be used on footpaths and shared pathways and are “dockless” – meaning they can be left almost anywhere for the next customer.

“Juicers” pick up the e-scooters and recharge them.