Lime Expands Micromobility Options in New York City

Following its successful bid to operate e-scooters in New York City, Lime is now introducing e-mopeds to the city’s streets. This marks a significant milestone, establishing Lime as the first company to offer multiple forms of micromobility sharing within NYC.

Initial Rollout and Expansion Plans

Beginning Friday, Lime will deploy 100 electric mopeds throughout Brooklyn. Subsequent expansions into Queens and lower Manhattan are already planned for the coming weeks. Addressing the issue of vehicle emissions, the introduction of electric micromobility is seen as crucial if New York City aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050.

Competition with Revel

Lime will directly compete with Revel, the existing dockless e-moped operator in the city, which recently launched an all-electric vehicle rideshare service. The initial operating zones for Lime will largely align with Revel’s current coverage area. This includes a substantial portion of northern Brooklyn, spanning Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Brooklyn Heights, extending southeast towards the Flatlands, as confirmed by a Lime representative.

International Expansion and Safety Measures

Lime recently launched e-mopeds in both Washington, D.C. and Paris. With each new launch, the company emphasizes its dedication to the safety of riders and other road users. This commitment is demonstrated through features like AI-powered helmet detection, license verification, and a “liveness test.”

The liveness test requires riders to perform various facial expressions during signup, verifying their identity and preventing the use of static photographs. Lime also utilizes this test to cross-reference the rider’s identity with their driver’s license for added assurance.

Rider Education and Insurance

A mandatory rider education curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is also required. Lime’s service is protected by motor vehicle liability insurance, providing financial coverage in the event a rider causes harm to another person or their property, though it does not cover the rider themselves.

Lessons Learned from Revel

Revel previously faced challenges and temporarily removed its mopeds from service last summer following safety concerns, including reports of riders not wearing helmets and several fatalities. The company subsequently implemented a safety plan, now requiring users to submit a helmet selfie and complete a 21-question safety quiz, alongside watching an instructional video, before their first ride. A community reporting tool within the app allows users to report unsafe behavior.

Regulatory Landscape

The safety measures implemented by both Lime and Revel are not mandated by the NYC Department of Transportation. While the DOT undertook a comprehensive approval process for e-scooters, e-mopeds currently operate without city regulation.

A Lime spokesperson stated that the company proactively collaborated with the DOT, keeping them informed and addressing any concerns.

Accessibility and Community Support

Lime will also offer its Lime Aid program, providing discounted rates to Pell Grant recipients, job seekers, and those receiving subsidies. Furthermore, free rides will be available to frontline workers, teachers, nonprofit employees, artists, and hospitality workers – groups particularly impacted by the pandemic.

Positioning for Post-Pandemic Recovery

With increasing vaccination rates and the city’s reopening plan targeting full operation by July 1, Lime aims to establish itself as a leading micromobility provider. The timing is ideal for a post-pandemic summer.

“The pandemic has encouraged New Yorkers to explore alternative transportation methods that are safe, sustainable, and car-free,” stated Lime CEO Wayne Ting. “As New York recovers, we are prepared to support an economic resurgence driven by sustainable options, reducing congestion and enabling open-air, socially-distanced travel.”