Source: West Midlands Combined Authority

The LEVA -EU member has been appointed as the West Midlands’ new hire operator with the introduction of more than 2,000 new electric bikes and scooters in the region from April. The new agreement will see the scheme operate at no cost to taxpayers for the first time, replacing a service that previously cost approximately £1.4 million (€1.6 million) per year to run.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) selected global micromobility provider, Lime, to manage the official regional hire scheme after a competitive tendering process.

No-cost model and fare commitments

Under the new arrangement, Lime will introduce a revised fare structure but has committed to maintaining existing overall price levels for the first two years of operation. TfWM said this approach is intended to ensure sustainable transport options remain affordable while delivering financial savings to the public sector.

Both bicycles and e-scooters will be available from the scheme’s launch on 1 April in areas currently served. TfWM, local councils and Lime will also work together to expand the network over time.

Regional and environmental benefits

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said the new partnership would support cleaner and more affordable travel options while reducing pressure on public finances.

“By bringing in a brand-new fleet of bikes and scooters and freezing prices for the next two years, we’re making sure there’s a practical and affordable green alternative for shorter journeys – helping to tackle traffic congestion and improve the air we breathe.

And by securing a partnership that operates at no cost to the taxpayer, we are saving the public purse more than £1 million a year. This is money we can now reinvest back into our regional transport, delivering better journeys for everyone.”

Lime’s expansion into the region

Tom Newham, Lime’s Senior Manager of Public Affairs, said the company was looking forward to launching services in the West Midlands and working with communities to build a transportation system that works for everyone.

“The West Midlands is well suited and primed for this, with multiple towns and city centres close together and a strong public transport network. Through WMCA’s continued investment in micromobility and supporting infrastructure, there’s a real drive to make e-bikes and e-scooters a popular, practical and affordable choice for getting around.

From our experience running schemes in towns and cities across the UK, we understand what it takes to run a service people use and rely on every day. We’re looking forward to working with communities in every part of the West Midlands to build a service that’s run locally and works for everyone – whether they ride Lime or not”

Active travel integration

Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, described the partnership as a significant leap for active travel in the region.

“This new partnership marks an exciting step forward for active travel in the West Midlands. By significantly increasing the number of e-bikes across the region, we’re making it easier for more people to choose a convenient, affordable and sustainable option for short journeys. We’re looking forward to working with Lime to embed the cycle hire scheme alongside our wider active travel interventions and infrastructure improvements.”

Rollout details

Further operational details, including the launch of a new customer app, will be announced closer to the start of the service.

As with the existing scheme, Lime e-scooters will be available only in Birmingham and on the University of Warwick campus, while e-bikes will be deployed more widely across the region.