Next generation of e-bikes and scooters set for rollout across West Midlands after transport scheme officially launched
The West Midlands is set to see the next generation of e-bikes and scooters after the official launch of a new travel scheme.
Lime is introducing its next-generation LimeBike to the West Midlands from April 1, when the region’s scheme officially launches, marking it as the first UK region where the fleet will consist entirely of the new model of e-bike.
It will join cities such as London, Nottingham, Oxford and Milton Keynes in rolling out the scheme, following successful launches across parts of the US, Australia and Europe, and comes as the West Midlands is making unprecedented investment, including a recent £36m Active Travel Fund award, in new cycling and walking routes and schemes to help more people choose active travel for everyday journeys.
Designed by Lime’s in-house R&D team, the LimeBike introduces a host of new technology and accessibility.
This includes upgraded on-board technology to improve location recognition accuracy, helping riders more easily find designated parking spots, 20-inch wheels and a low step-through frame for stability and accessibility, modular design and replaceable components to reduce waste and extend the vehicle’s lifespan, ergonomic hand grips to provide comfort for longer rides and portrait orientated, secure phone holders to make navigation a breeze
Lime bikes will be available from April 1 in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull, and will soon be available in Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall.
It will take over from the current cycle hire and e-scooter providers and the West Midlands becomes Lime’s second largest geographically (behind London), providing the region’s three million population with a convenient, sustainable and affordable form of transport.
The scheme will also operate at no cost to the taxpayer, bringing a saving of £1.4 million per year, the cost of running the cycle hire, to the authority.
In October last year, Transport for West Midlands granted a short term extension to the contracts to enable a new provider to be found.
Bosses said they wanted the new agreement, which comes into effect from April 1, not to rely on public subsidy to keep the schemes going.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “This new partnership makes us the first UK region to host a full fleet of Lime’s latest e-bikes, giving our people a world-class service across our towns and cities.
“Along with our ongoing investment in safe cycle routes, this will make it easier for people to choose cycling as an accessible, affordable and sustainable alternative to the car for shorter journeys and help us improve air quality and cut traffic congestion.”
Tom Newham, Lime Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Lime UK& said: “We’re excited to introduce the new LimeBike to the West Midlands, the first UK region to welcome a full fleet of the new model.
"The LimeBike has been designed to be our most accessible and intuitive bike yet, making it easier and more comfortable for all kinds of riders.
"With multiple towns and city centres in close proximity, supported by strong public transport connections, the West Midlands is well suited to shared micromobility.
"Working with Transport for West Midlands and local councils, we’re proud to be helping more people choose cycling for everyday journeys."
Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, said: “This partnership is a big win for active travel in the West Midlands as more bikes means easier, greener short trips, with an e-boost to flatten hills and opens up cycling for far more people.
"By expanding the fleet geography, we’re making travel more convenient, affordable and accessible, and we’re excited to build a collaborative partnership with Lime to keep improving the choices people have to get around.”
