Lime Launches Electric Mopeds

Lime is broadening its micromobility offerings by incorporating electric mopeds – distinguished by the company’s recognizable green color – into its platform, with the goal of providing comprehensive inner city transportation solutions for trips ranging from quick errands to journeys of up to five miles.

Lime announced on Wednesday its intention to introduce up to 600 electric mopeds to its service this spring, beginning in Washington D.C. The company is also collaborating with city authorities to test the mopeds in Paris, with plans for availability in a select number of cities over the coming months.

These mopeds, manufactured by Niu, are designed to accommodate two riders and feature advanced technology, including infrared cameras within the helmet compartment to verify helmet use during each trip, enhancing safety and discouraging improper usage. Users who repeatedly violate Lime’s policies, which mandate consistent helmet wear, will be removed from the platform, and will be required to submit a selfie wearing a helmet before each ride begins.

Helmets will be provided by Moon for customers in the United States and by Nikko for those in Europe.

The mopeds are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour and can travel up to 87 miles on a full charge. Unlike Lime scooters, which utilize gig economy workers for collection, charging, and redeployment, the mopeds will employ swappable batteries and be maintained by dedicated, full-time employees.

While the inclusion of mopeds may not have been initially envisioned in Lime’s original long-term strategy, the company’s leader of new mobility shared with TechCrunch that they have been considering the future possibilities of electrified urban transit.

“As our company has evolved, we’ve recognized the need to respond to our customers’ requests for longer-distance travel options,” explained Sean Arroyo, head of new mobility at Lime. “Our aim is to accommodate any trip, at any time, in any location, and our riders have consistently guided us toward this direction.”

Lime CEO Wayne Ting previously indicated late last year that a “third mode” of transportation, in addition to scooters and bikes, was planned for the first quarter of 2021, alongside the integration of third-party companies into its platform. Last year, Lime also began incorporating Wheels-branded electric bikes into its app in certain cities. Ting stated that users could anticipate further partnerships of this nature.

This expansion into mopeds demonstrates Lime’s recovery from the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lime experienced a round of workforce reductions in April and secured funding from Uber the following month in a deal that lowered its valuation below $1 billion. The company temporarily suspended most of its operations during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, it has since experienced a turnaround. Ting reported in November that the company achieved both operating cash flow positivity and free cash flow positivity in the third quarter and was projected to be profitable for the full year, excluding specific expenses (EBIT), in 2021. This financial stability also enabled the company to invest in the addition of mopeds.

The central question now is whether further transportation modes will be added.

Arroyo did not provide specific details, but indicated that additional developments are likely.

“Throughout this year, you can expect to see us significantly expand, not only in terms of modes, but also in terms of providing choices,” Arroyo stated. “Our focus is on creating a platform that can handle all types of trips, and then offering a range of options that suit our riders. Shared transportation is a key element, but ‘shared’ can take many forms; and throughout 2021, we plan to introduce a variety of different options as our modes increase.”