Lime is investing $50 million in electric bikes, including new hardware and plans to expand services to expand services to an additional 25 cities this year.
Wayne Ting, CEO at Lime, says: “Shared micromobility is playing an essential role in getting cities moving again safely so we see this as a critical moment to double down on e-bikes as an open-air, socially-distanced transportation option.”
The new e-bike features a swappable battery, which is interchangeable with Lime’s Gen4 scooter.
Lime says the interoperable battery will allow it to streamline operations across vehicle types and reduce the frequency of charging and rebalancing vehicles, meaning more more fully-charged vehicles on the street when people need them.
The swappable battery will also provide environmental benefits by cutting down car trips from Lime’s operational vans, the company adds.
Additional upgrades to the e-bike include increased motor power to help riders climb hills, a phone holder that allows them to navigate and follow directions and an automatic two-speed transmission that eliminates the old model’s gears for a smoother ride.
Lime’s new e-bikes will be available this summer, primarily in cities in Europe and North America with a handful in Australia and New Zealand.
Additionally, Lime has joined forces with the League of American Bicyclists to launch an education campaign for riders on safe cycling and scooter practices via a new safety quiz tailored for cities and universities.
The partners will also leverage local bicycle clubs and riders to advocate for federal, state and local funding and action to create safer streets for micromobility travel.
Last month, Lime confirmed its e-bikes will be serviced by Pedal Me in a bid to cut congestion and pollution in the UK capital.
