Lime Unveils New Bike and E-Scooter Fleet in West Midlands
More than 2,000 new bikes and e-scooters have been introduced to the streets of the West Midlands today, marking the start of a significant new partnership. Lime has taken over the management of the region's micromobility scheme, following a competitive bidding process conducted by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
Expansion Across the Region
The Lime vehicles are currently available in Birmingham, Coventry, and Solihull. A further rollout to the Black Country—including Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton—is scheduled for June 1. This expansion aims to enhance travel options across the entire metropolitan area.
The scheme operates at no cost to the taxpayer, resulting in an annual saving of £1.4 million for the local authority, which previously covered the expenses of running the cycle hire program.
How to Access the Service
Users can locate and unlock bikes via the Lime app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The bikes are accessible at all existing Cycle Hire docking stations, as well as numerous additional locations throughout Birmingham that are visible within the app.
Pricing for the Pay As You Go option is set at 20p per minute, with a £1 unlock fee. These rates will remain frozen for the initial two years of operation. Additionally, riders can opt for LimePass bundles, which include:
- 30 minutes for £2.99
- 60 minutes for £5.99
- 120 minutes for £9.99
- 300 minutes for £19.90
Official Statements and Benefits
Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, emphasized the advantages of the partnership. "This collaboration is a major victory for active travel in the West Midlands," she stated. "More bikes mean easier, greener short trips, with an electric boost to tackle hills, making cycling accessible to a broader audience. By expanding the fleet's geography, we're enhancing convenience, affordability, and accessibility."
Tom Newham, Lime Senior Manager of Public Affairs for the UK, expressed enthusiasm about the launch. "We're thrilled to introduce the new LimeBike to the West Midlands, the first UK region to receive a full fleet of this latest model," he said. "The LimeBike has been designed to be our most accessible and intuitive bike yet, catering to all types of riders. The West Midlands, with its closely connected towns and strong public transport links, is ideally suited for shared micromobility."
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker also highlighted the regional benefits. "This new partnership positions us as the first UK region to host a complete fleet of Lime's newest e-bikes, offering a world-class service across our towns and cities," he remarked. "Coupled with our ongoing investments in safe cycle routes, this initiative will encourage people to choose cycling as a viable, affordable, and sustainable alternative to cars for shorter journeys, ultimately improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion."
