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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.