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Juicers earn $7 per scooter, with a cap of 10 at any one time before they can take go out and...
Photo: James Hall
Lime is fighting to get its electric scooters back on the streets of Dunedin and Auckland by pleading to the public to help bring back the "transport revolution."

Lime put the brakes on their e-scooter fleet yesterday until the company sorted out its problem with the machines locking up after Auckland Council ordered them to be removed from the city streets.

Users who visit the Lime app are now being alerted to a plea for public support encouraging people to send an automatic email to Dunedin City Council with the subject line "I support Lime in Dunedin".

"Together, Dunedin riders have made over 145,000 trips. Many of these would have replaced a car trip, easing pressure on our roads. Lime also improves access to many parts of the city not serviced by public transport and encourages people outside to explore our city" the message on the Lime app reads.

Lime has said it they will implement a firmware upgrade to address the wheel-locking issue but it is unclear whether that has yet happened.

The Herald attempted to contact Lime but did not get a response.

The company identified 115 reported irregular braking incidents that may have been caused by the locking issue it is unclear whether the safety problems have been fixed.

Auckland Council bosses met representatives from the Lime yesterday afternoon to discuss safety concerns before announcing the suspension.

Dunedin was quick to follow in Auckland's footsteps and withdrew Lime e-scooters with immediate effect late yesterday afternoon.

Auckland Council chief operating officer Dean Kimpton said Lime's licence had been reviewed and temporarily suspended.

"Myself and Auckland Transport chief executive Shane Ellison have given careful consideration to the most appropriate next steps.

"We have been clear with Lime representatives that the equipment used on our transport network must be safe for use," Kimpton said.

Comments

Yesterday Lime were being praised for 'Doing the right thing' Is this another example of Lime 'Doing the right thing' or another cynical marketing push?

I don't care what they do so long as they are not allowed on footpaths and in public places. Lime rider accidents are not my major concern.

Lime are here to make money, nothing else. Can't people see that? They don't care how many hundreds of thousands of dollars the accidents on Lime scooters cost ACC and the health system. Two people linked to my workplace had nasty falls off Lime scooters on the same day - one got stitches in their face, the other a broken arm. Is it worth it?

Lime you've said before that safety of users is company's top priority haven't you? So shut up please and fix the software glitch if you can and then re-apply for license. Oh and also provide newer and safer models with helmets, ride them on roads only subject to drivers license of course just like in California, and also pay rates to the city and ACC contributions etc.

Offshore company calls for customer unrest. Global capitalist annoyed with independent country.

 

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