Lime bikes and scooters- a new staple of this generation, to help travel easily and efficiently during our busy lives.

But is this really a good idea? Are they a practical alternative to safe travel?

Lime was first founded in San Francisco in 2017 by two men called Toby Sun and Brad Bao, the Lime company first introduced their products to the UK midway through 2020.

Since this time Lime Bikes and Scooters have increased in popularity drastically.

Between January 2019 and March 2023, 1.25 million Londoners have taken 12 million trips travelling over 30 million km.

This figure shows us just how popular Lime products have grown in the UK especially within London and big cities.

As well as this nearly 97% of London’s population are able to access a Lime bike within a two-minute walk, making them extremely accessible to everyone.

There are many benefits to using Lime bikes and scooters to get around such as:

Ease of travel and accessibility, relatively low in cost, a sustainable way of travelling (Over 2.6 million fewer motor vehicle km, excluding public transport have been travelled since Lime bikes have been launched which is equivalent to London to Paris and back 3,000 times).

However, there is always a price to pay and in this case danger is always lurking behind the use of Lime bikes.

One example is the constant misuse of lime bikes mostly performed by younger generations.  Lime bikes are often cast aside on the floor or in the middle of the roads, causing disruption to pedestrians and cars alike.

Lime bike stations are often littered with misused bikes, causing an unsightly scene for residents.

As a result, some councils have had to take action, like Brent council who have recently warned that Lime bikes will be removed from the streets of the North-West London borough within months, because of the constant Havoc these bikes pose to pedestrians as well as the disabled community.

One other significant issue that can impact young people in sometimes, life-changing ways, is the use of the bikes and scooters by underage pedestrians. Lime states in their policy clearly, that you must be over 18 to ride an e-bike or e-scooter.

But this is often not enforced as many underage teenagers take part in the use of these electrical vehicles, sometimes with devastating consequences.

One particular example that strikes a chord here is, Archies story.

Archie T was riding a Lime scooter late at night on Friday 4th October 2024, when he had to swerve unexpectedly.

This caused him to be thrown from the scooter and resulted in him loosing his front two teeth.

Archie has commented on his accident.

He said:

“I never realised how quickly an accident can happen on an electric scooter that I put my full trust into, travelling at such high speeds makes such a difference if something goes wrong,  I will now have to live with the results of this accident for the rest of my life and as well as the cost to my parents at such a great expense”.

This story can make us all rethink whether Lime vehicles really are a safe alternative to public transport.

Therefore, can Lime bikes ruin your life?