New Micromobility Scheme Rolls Out Across West Midlands
Thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters have become available for public hire across Birmingham, Coventry, and Solihull, marking the launch of a new micromobility initiative in the West Midlands. The scheme, operated by provider Lime, officially debuted with an event outside Aston University on April 7, 2026, following a competitive bidding process by Transport for West Midlands earlier this year.
Cost-Effective and Taxpayer-Friendly
This new hire service is designed to operate without any financial burden on taxpayers, resulting in an annual saving of £1.4 million for local authorities. This amount previously covered the costs of running the cycle hire program. Lime has expressed optimism about the initial response, aiming to boost cycling and scooter usage in the region over the coming months and years.
Lime E-Bikes: Key Details
The West Midlands fleet is notable for being the first to consist entirely of a new e-bike model. To hire a Lime e-bike, users must be aged 18 or older. The bikes can be located and unlocked via the Lime app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. They are accessible at all existing Cycle Hire docking stations, as well as additional locations across Birmingham, which are visible within the app.
Pricing for Lime E-Bikes:
- Pay As You Go: 20p per minute with a £1 unlock fee
- LimePass bundles include:
- 30 minutes for £2.99
- 60 minutes for £5.99
- 120 minutes for £9.99
- 300 minutes for £19.90
All prices are frozen for the first two years of the service.
Lime E-Scooters: Key Details
E-scooters are currently available in Birmingham and at the University of Warwick. Similar to the bikes, hiring requires users to be aged 18 or over and possess a valid UK driving licence. Scooters can be ridden on roads, cycle lanes, and other areas where cycling is permitted, but not on pavements.
How to Hire and Ride:
- Download the Lime app
- Find a nearby e-scooter
- Unlock it using the app
- Ride to your destination
- Park in a permitted area and end your ride in the app
Pricing for Lime E-Scooters:
- Pay As You Go: 20p per minute with a £1 unlock fee
- Passes available at:
- 30 minutes – £2.99
- 60 minutes – £5.99
- 120 minutes – £9.99
- 300 minutes – £19.90
Prices are also frozen for the first two years. Users must park in designated areas shown in the app; charges may apply for parking outside permitted zones, leaving the operating area, or failing to end rides correctly.
Future Expansion Plans
The scheme is set to expand to the Black Country, including Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, starting June 1. This rollout aims to extend the benefits of micromobility across a broader region, promoting sustainable transport options and reducing congestion.
