Lime expands e-bike hire into the Black Country

Lime has launched its e-bike hire service in Sandwell and Wolverhampton, bringing shared, green transport to more communities across the region.

The expansion comes as the West Midlands Combined Authority continues to invest in cycling and walking infrastructure across the region to support greener and healthier journeys.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “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.”

Tom Newham (Lime), Beccy Marston (West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner) and Mayor Richard Parker welcomed launch of Lime in the region earlier this year

Since launching in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull earlier this spring, tmany have embraced the arrival of shared e-bikes. The vast majority (86%) of people using Lime in the West Midlands had never previously ridden a Lime bike in another city, suggesting the new service is introducing shared micromobility to a whole new group of riders in the region.

Many riders have continued using the service after their first journey, with more than one in three users going on to take another trip within the following week. One rider has even completed more than 240 trips during the scheme’s opening weeks.

With one of the UK’s largest student populations, Birmingham has been a natural fit for shared e-bikes. Some of Lime’s busiest locations in the West Midlands include Birmingham Moor Street Station, University College Birmingham and student accommodation sites, highlighting how riders are using shared e-bikes to travel between transport hubs, campuses and the city centre.

Tom Newham, senior manager of public affairs, Lime UK&I, said:

“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.”