Lime, a micromobility company, has introduced the latest generation of its electric bikes in Seattle, making it one of the first cities to have access to the new model. This new e-bike features a throttle near the right handlebar grip, allowing riders to use it similarly to Lime’s e-scooters. With this throttle option, riders can start from a full stop, conquer steep hills, and cover longer distances without needing to pedal. Seattle was chosen as the launch city due to its status as a prominent hub for micromobility, and Lime plans to continue investing in the city with its latest hardware.
Both Lime and its competitor, Bird, operate e-bikes and e-scooters in Seattle as part of the City’s Scooter and Bike Share program, managed by the Seattle Department of Transportation. Lime currently offers shared e-bikes and e-scooters in 280 cities across nearly 30 countries, with its success being attributed to cities like Seattle. In 2023, residents and visitors in Seattle took over 3.1 million rides on Lime vehicles, representing a 50% increase from the previous year. Seattle holds a special significance for Lime, being its oldest continuous market since its launch in July 2017.
Some notable highlights from Lime’s operations in Seattle include its best day ever with 22,500 trips and 13,000 riders during Taylor Swift’s Lumen Field concert appearances in July 2023. Lime also saw increased ridership during MLB All-Star weekend in Seattle, with 41,000 riders taking over 72,200 rides from July 7 through July 11, 2023. Since its launch in July 2017, Lime has served 1.75 million riders who have taken nearly 12 million trips on Lime vehicles in Seattle, showcasing the popularity and utilization of Lime’s micromobility options in the city.
Lime, headquartered in San Francisco, is a privately owned company that acquired the Jump bike-share business and received significant backing through a $170 million investment round led by Uber, Alphabet, Bain Capital, and GV in 2020. The company’s expansion into new markets and introduction of innovative features like the throttle on its e-bikes demonstrate Lime’s commitment to providing convenient and sustainable transportation options in urban areas. By offering shared e-bikes and e-scooters, Lime aims to address the growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transportation in cities around the world.
Seattle’s role as a key market for Lime highlights the city’s embrace of micromobility options and the success of Lime’s operations in the region. The introduction of the new generation of electric bikes with a throttle feature reflects Lime’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of riders and enhancing the overall user experience. With a focus on cities like Seattle that prioritize sustainable transportation solutions, Lime continues to expand its presence and invest in cutting-edge hardware to provide convenient and accessible mobility options for residents and visitors alike. Seattle’s partnership with Lime and other micromobility companies underscores the importance of collaboration between local governments and private enterprises to create a more efficient and interconnected transportation network in urban areas.
