A fleet of up to 700 Lime e-bikes will be available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis in key city locations, enabling more Nottingham residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits that cycling can bring, from improved health to cleaner air.
Tenders have been received and a contract awarded to Lime Bike to operate an e-bike hire scheme in Nottingham City Councils’ area launching at the end of March 2023.
Locations for parking locations are currently subject to agreement between the City Council and the operator.
E-bikes can help to break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling, including fitness, age and journey length, meaning more people than ever can take to two wheels.
They will also provide a safe, convenient and affordable way for residents looking to replace car journeys with more sustainable transport options.
Lime will be launching its latest Gen4 e-bike model, which features:
• Built-in front and rear lights – with rear lights that brighten when the bike breaks
• Increased motor power to help riders easily climb hills and restart their ride when stopped/stationary at red traffic lights or zebra crossings
• A phone holder, allowing riders to easily navigate and follow directions without having to stop and check directions
• Built-in baskets to help people carry shopping or bags
• Range of 64km with batteries monitored by Lime so they can be charged when they run low
The e-bikes will be available for hire via the Lime app, which can be downloaded on Apple or Android smartphones, via the App store or Google Play.
They will cost £1 to unlock and 17p a minute. The e-bikes will work only within Nottingham City Council boundaries
Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Parks, Councillor Audra Wynter, said:
“As we face a global climate emergency, it’s more important than ever that our residents have access to more sustainable ways to travel.
“ I’m delighted that we’ll be welcoming e-bikes to Nottingham through this new partnership with Lime.
“E-bikes are fun to use and will make shorter trips easier, and provide an alternative to the car for short journeys.
“With the new e-bikes, plus our e-scooter trial, award-winning bus and tram systems, getting around Nottingham will be easier and better than ever.”
Hal Stevenson, Senior Public Affairs Manager for Lime in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be launching our e-bikes in Nottingham next year.
“Our new service will offer residents and visitors an active and sustainable travel option to get around the city.
“We look forward to working closely with Nottingham City Council to successfully deliver the scheme and support their wider plans to install more cycling infrastructure and reduce local reliance upon cars.”
Lime will offer 50% off the cost of e-bike rides for lower income residents via its Lime Access programme.
The programme provides eligible riders – including existing concession pass holders, key workers, students and job seekers – with unlimited discounts with Lime, helping them to get where they need to go in a safe, sustainable and affordable way.
Users will be required to park the e-bikes at a number of designated e-bike parking bays, which will be located around the city.
Helmets are not provided with the e-bikes, but Lime has committed to distributing free helmets at public events in the city once the scheme has launched.
