Lime appointed to run West Midlands bike and eScooter hire scheme

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has chosen Lime to operate the region’s official hire scheme.

Both bikes and eScooters will be available following the launch on 1 April in areas currently served, with local councils, TfWM and Lime able to work together to expand the network. The agreement means that, for the first time, the scheme will operate at no cost to the taxpayer. Until now, cycle hire has cost £1.4m a year to run. Lime has also committed to maintaining its existing overall price levels for the first two years.

“We’re thrilled to be coming to the West Midlands and to be working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, whose ambition for active travel has laid strong foundations for expanding shared bikes and eScooters across the region,” said Tom Newham, Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Lime.

“The West Midlands is well suited to this, with multiple towns and city centres located close together and supported by a strong public transport network. Through the WMCA’s continued investment in micromobility and supporting infrastructure, there is a real drive to make e-bikes and eScooters a popular, practical and affordable way to get around,” Newham added.

“From our experience running schemes in towns and cities across the UK, we understand what it takes to deliver a service people use and rely on every day,” said Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner. “By significantly increasing the number of e-bikes across the region, we’re making it easier for more people to choose a convenient, affordable and sustainable option for short journeys.”