Source: BBC, West Midlands Combined Authority

After being described as successful in Birmingham, the LEVA-EU member’s e-bike hire scheme will be rolled out further into the nearby regions of Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton to improve access to shared mobility for the region.

Lime’s shared bike services will be extended in the West Midlands region of England this month, after launching in neighbouring regions of Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry in April.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Park stated that bikes help “people choose cycling as an affordable, cleaner and greener way to get around our towns and cities.”

About the extension of shared e-bikes in the region, Parker added:

“Lime’s new e-bikes have already proven a hit in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull and I’m sure they will be just as successful in Sandwell and Wolverhampton,”

“These new bikes with e-powered pedalling open up active travel to even more people, especially those who thought their cycling days were behind them.

“Alongside our ongoing investment in safer cycle routes, this will help people choose cycling as an affordable, cleaner and greener way to get around our towns and cities.”

Lime’s senior manager of public affairs, Lime UK&I, Tom Newham adds:

“It’s been fantastic to see so many people across the West Midlands embrace Lime during the first few months of the scheme.

We’ve seen riders quickly make shared e-bikes part of their everyday routines, whether that’s commuting, connecting to public transport, meeting friends or travelling around the city centre.

As we expand into the Black Country from June 1, we’re excited to bring the benefits of shared and affordable transport to even more communities across the region and continue working closely with local partners to support active travel.”

Lime usage so far in the West Midlands

Lime launched its shared mobility service in the region initially in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull with the rollout of over 2,000 new e-bikes and e-scooters.

Since then the company has reported its shared bikes were used in the week for commuting, then at weekends for travelling to parks, shops, restaurants and transport hubs.

Busiest locations were reported to be Birmingham Moor Street Station, University College Birmingham and student accommodation sites.

Other shared bike usage statistics which indicate Lime’s success in the region include:

• 86% of users had never ridden a Lime bike in any city
• Over a third of users took another trip within the following week after their first trip