Lime is to expand the options within its app beyond electric bikes and e-scooters to include e-mopeds in Washington, DC and Paris.
Lime CEO Wayne Ting says: “The addition of electric mopeds to our fleet of e-bikes and e-scooters is another major step in our goal of ensuring access to affordable, carbon-free shared transportation in cities around the world.”
The micromobility operator says its full transportation service helps to reduce car trips under five miles, which account for nearly 60% of all car trips in the US and UK.
Lime says its two-seater e-moped will have a top speed of 28 mph and can travel up to 87 miles on a single charge.
The e-moped – manufactured by Niu – will include high-visibility helmets which have been developed by Moon in the US and Nikko in Europe.
An infra-red sensor in each helmet case will identify if a rider has removed the helmet for use.
As part of the launch, Lime has collaborated with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to design a rider safety e-course and a test that must be completed before riding an e-moped.
Lime is also providing a practice guide with MSF-designed exercises that riders can use to prepare for various traffic situations. The guide provides tips on critical skills such as turning and emergency braking.
Robert Gladden, vice president of training operations at MSF, says: “MSF wants all Lime riders to be safe and have fun. We encourage them to take full advantage of Lime’s training offerings, and to always wear helmets and other riding gear.”
Additionally, Lime is planning on providing free in-person lessons taught by MSF-certified instructors for small classes of riders.
To access an e-moped, riders must take a photo of themselves to ensure it matches the photo on their driver's licence. They must also take a second photo of themselves wearing a helmet.
Riders must be at least 21 years old to ride in the US and 18 or older in Paris.
