Photo: City of Vancouver

Vancouver selects Lime for new e-scooter scheme

16 July 2024

by Christopher Carey

Vancouver City Council has selected Lime as the sole operator for its new shared e-scooter scheme which is expected to launch in late summer.

This decision follows a rigorous evaluation process in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in November 2023.

The scheme will see a phased introduction, with an initial deployment of 100 e-scooters in two neighbourhoods which will eventually expand into a city-wide system by 2025.

“Vancouver is committed to more accessible and sustainable transportation options, so adding e-scooters just makes sense,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

“This is a big move towards achieving our Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), aiming for two-thirds of trips in Vancouver to be by walking, biking, or transit by 2030.

“By integrating lessons learned from other cities, Lime’s Vancouver-made system will feature docking stations to keep our streets and sidewalks tidy.”

The agreement with Lime is set for an initial term of five years, with the option for three additional five-year extensions, for a potential total term of 20 years.

“We are honoured to be chosen by Vancouver Council and are excited to provide our best in class micromobility solutions to help residents and visitors move around the City,” said Vladana Zlatic, General Manager, Lime Canada.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and enhancing urban mobility.”

How it will work

The initial launch will include 100 e-scooters and 29 docking stations where scooters must be parked.

Car parking spaces could be reallocated for the e-scooter docking zones, with the city saying one of its responsibilities is to “accommodate shared e-scooter stations on the street, occasionally reallocating metered parking spaces for this purpose.”

“To support more sustainable modes of travel and to solve first/last kilometre challenges, some station placement may result in the loss of on-street parking,” a City of Vancouver spokesperson told Cities Today.

“The City is working with Lime to ensure on-street locations minimise impacts to local residents and businesses.

“Street space in Vancouver is limited – space for one vehicle parking spot can accommodate about six to eight shared e-scooter parking spots.

“With multiple rides expected on each e-scooter on most days, even a single vehicle parking space reallocated to Lime can facilitate a large number of trips.”

Helmets will be mandatory, and e-scooters cannot be ridden on pavements.

Other safety features will include the creation of slow and no-ride zones, sidewalk detection, helmet selfies, sobriety testing and education through a safe ride programme and community outreach.

The city’s police will have the authority to fine riders who do not obey the rules, with penalties ranging from CAD$109 (US$80) to CAD$2000.

Accountability

“To create a culture of accountability and to encourage proper riding and parking, Lime will introduce a progressive discipline policy with the ability to issue warnings, fines, and account suspensions to users,” the spokesperson added.

The City has set a number of performance levels that it says will help ensure Lime meets the operational needs of the system.

If the firm fails to meet these requirements, it will be considered a “performance non-compliance event and will be subject to penalties (financial or otherwise) as determined in the contract”.

As part of its equity programme, Lime will offer a discounted annual pass for CAD$20 for “historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups”, and provides “reduced liability for lost or damaged e-scooters”.

Final “contract negotiations” with Lime are still ongoing, with more details set to be made public in the coming weeks.

The city council says the shared e-scooter system will be “cost-neutral”, meaning there will be no contribution from public funds to the operator during the contract period.

Image: City of Vancouver

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