With ridership numbers of Lime e-bikes in London practically doubling from just over one million the previous year to 2.4 million in 2021, and only one of three firms providing e-scooters in the capital as part of the UK-wide trials which launched in 2018, it is not suprising that Lime plan to invest in its London operations over the next 18 months. Alan Clarke, Senior Director of Policy for Lime UK&I believes the Covid-19 crisis is the reason. He said, “After the worst of the pandemic was over and strict lockdowns lifted, a flurry of Londoners turned to our e-bikes as an easy, open-air and socially distanced means of transport. Many haven’t looked back.

“From popping to the shops or meeting with friends in parks – and increasingly the return of the commute – ditching cars for e-bikes and e-scooters when taking short trips has offered people a safe, affordable and sustainable means of transport. With our e-bikes popularity now significantly superseding pre-Covid levels, it’s clear that what we’re seeing is just the start of an exciting behaviour change in London as we look to reduce carbon emissions and live our lives more sustainably.”

However, it is not just their e-bikes that prove popular, Lime launched its Gen4.1 model e-scooter over the Christmas period.

The new vehicles come equipped with new interactive screens to improve rider education, improved battery life (28 per cent increase in trips per battery swap), an improved braking system and greater structural strength.

In addition to London, this American based company has a UK presence in Greater Manchester and Milton Keynes, as well as a further 200 cities across five continents.