Bike hire operator Lime has launched an electric bike (e-bike) rental scheme in Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham City Council.
Users can pick up and return Lime e-bikes from a network of designated e-bike-hire bays across the city.
Some features of the e-bikes include:
- Built-in front and rear lights – with rear lights that indicate when users brake
- An electric motor to help riders climb hills and restart their ride when stopped/stationary at traffic lights or zebra crossings
- A phone holder, allowing riders to easily navigate without having to stop and check directions
- Built-in baskets to help people carry shopping or bags
- A range of 64km with batteries monitored by Lime so they can be charged when they run low
How to hire a bike
You can hire e-bikes through the Lime app which is available on the Apple app store or the Google Play store. Check out our frequently asked questions for more detail.
E-bike hire scheme area
The e-bikes can only be used within the Nottingham City Boundary. The scheme will launch with approximately 100 hire locations across the city centre and the surrounding areas. The scheme’s second phase will involve expansion into the remaining areas of Nottingham City.
How to hire a bike
You can hire e-bikes through the Lime app which is available on the Apple app store or the Google Play store. Check out our frequently asked questions for more detail.
The scheme includes ‘Go Slow’ zones where e-bike speeds are restricted and ‘No-go’ zones where e-bikes are prohibited. The map below shows where you can ride Lime e-bikes in Nottingham city centre.
Outside of the city centre there are speed and access restrictions in the following areas:
Go-slow zones:
- Upper Path at Highfields Park
No-go zones:
- Church (Rock) Cemetery
- Nottingham General Cemetery
- Nottingham War Memorial Gardens
- The Park Estate (with the exception of Lenton Road)
E-bike parking
Lime e-bikes must be picked up and dropped off at the designated parking bays which can be found on the app. Lime e-bikes cannot be left outside these parking areas. Users who fail to park correctly will receive a fine. Users who repeatedly fail to park correctly will be banned.
Shared spaces
There are many areas in Nottingham where the space is shared by cyclists and pedestrians, including river and canal towpaths and paths in our parks and open spaces. It is important that riders behave considerately where space is shared with pedestrians and other path users. Inconsiderate behaviour can reduce the appeal of these places and is particularly intimidating for people with reduced mobility, or who have hearing or vision difficulties.
When riding in shared spaces please:
- Be courteous and patient with pedestrians and other path users
- Slow down in areas where space is limited or pedestrians are present
- Take extra care in places where you cannot see clearly ahead, such as junctions, bends or blind spots
- Use the e-bike’s bell to make people aware of your presence, but be aware that people might not see or hear you as many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired
How do I use an e-bike?
- Download the Lime app from the Apple app store or the Google Play store.
- Open the app and search for nearby e-bikes.
- Scan the QR code on the e-bike to unlock it.
- Put on your helmet.
- Enjoy your ride, follow local regulations, use cycle lanes where available, and do not ride on the pavement (unless it is a shared space indicated by the sign below).
- Reach your destination and ‘end ride’ in the app. Park correctly and make sure the e-bike is not causing an obstruction.
How much do e-bikes cost to use?
Lime charges a fixed rate (£1.00) to unlock an e-bike and then 19p per minute to ride. Average journeys cost between £3.50 and £4.50.
Lime offers a 50% discount on all e-bike rides to students, keyworkers and jobseekers via Lime Access (see below).
What is Lime Access?
Lime Access offers a 50% discount on all e-bike rides for those who qualify. You qualify for Lime Access if you can show evidence you hold one of the following passes:
- Jobcentre Plus Travel Card
- Blue Light Card (for emergency service workers)
- Student Card (NUS student card or institution-specific)
- Other free or discounted travel cards for Nottingham
- Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
- Other eligible key worker IDs and passes (including central and local government jobs and emergency service workers)
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike?
No, you do not need to wear a helmet. There is no law in the UK that requires cyclists to wear a helmet, although they are recommended within The Highway Code (see Rule 59). Similarly, while Lime doesn’t require you to wear a helmet when riding their e-bikes, they do highly encourage it and are providing users with helmets.
How many e-bikes are there?
At launch, there will be 350 e-bikes across the city. As the scheme expands across Nottingham this number will grow until there are 700 e-bikes in the fleet for users to ride.
How old do you have to be to hire an e-bike?
Users must be 18 years and over.
Can I ride a Lime e-bike outside Nottingham?
No, Lime e-bikes cannot be used outside the Nottingham City boundary. Users who take e-bikes outside this area will receive a fine of £5.
How fast do the e-bikes go?
The Gen4 e-bike motor stops providing assistance once the e-bike reaches 15.5 mph. In ‘Go-Slow’ zones e-bike speeds are restricted to 4mph. In ‘No-go’ zones the e-bike motor provides no assistance.
