Lime reveals details of its new e-bike pilot service in Mayo

To use the e-bikes, cyclists will need to pay an initial unlock fee of €1 with a charge of 15 cent per minute after that

Lime - the world’s largest shared e-bike and scooter provider - has announced the launch of its 12-month shared e-bike pilot in Castlebar.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Mayo County Council, and will see up to 100 bikes available for hire in virtual parking bays across the town.

Castlebar is the first Irish town to welcome Lime’s shared e-bikes, marking the company’s official launch here.

Ireland is the 36th country to have launched Lime’s vehicles globally, with the provider operating services in 250+ cities around the world.

It is the only provider serving all major European capitals including London, Paris, Madrid, and Rome, as well as major US cities such as New York and Washington DC.

The launch is part of Lime’s commitment to invest €10 million in its Irish operations, which it made last year with a view to launch e-bike and e-scooter sharing schemes in towns and cities across the country.

Lime hopes to launch its e-scooter sharing service in Ireland next year following delays in the introduction of legislation and regulations for e-scooters.

Speaking about the launch, Hal Stevenson, senior public affairs manager for Lime in Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be launching our first service in Ireland.

"We look forward to working with Mayo County Council to offer Castlebar residents and visitors a safe and sustainable way to travel around the town.”

“This service will be designed to demonstrate the positive impact shared micromobility schemes can deliver in Irish towns and cities. We can’t wait to get started in Castlebar and to continue our expansion across Ireland.”

Lime will launch the service with its industry-leading Gen4 bikes. Key features include:

• Increased motor power to help riders easily climb hills and restart their ride when stopped/stationary at red traffic lights or zebra crossings

• A new phone holder, allowing riders to easily navigate and follow directions without having to stop and look at their phones

• An automatic two-speed transmission that eliminates the prior generation’s gears for easier acceleration and smoother riding

• A modular design, extending the usable life to 5+ years

Lime’s e-bikes will run on its new batteries, with double the power of previous models, meaning users in Castlebar can for longer on a single charge.

Fewer battery swaps will also deliver a more sustainable overall service, with a reduced need for Lime’s operations team to make trips to change vehicle batteries.

To use the e-bikes, riders will need to pay an initial unlock fee of €1 with a charge of 15 cent per minute for the rest of the ride.

Lime is working with Mayo County Council to establish parking zones to ensure that the bikes are always parked responsibly and avoid pavement obstructions.

Stevenson added: “Safety for all road users is a priority for Lime everywhere we operate.

"We look forward to working closely with Mayo County Council, and wider stakeholders - including our new Irish Disability Advisory Board - to ensure that our services are safely and responsibly delivered for all road users.”

The cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, said: “Castlebar Municipal District has worked hard over the last number of years to improve the cycling infrastructure in and around the town.

"Now, more than ever, with both the climate and energy crisis it is important to provide facilities that allow the people of Castlebar to choose alternative modes of travel.

"This e-bike sharing scheme allows us to choose to travel in a more sustainable way and enjoy the social, environmental and health benefits of cycling.”

"Lime will be consulting with a range of stakeholders in Castlebar throughout the pilot to ensure that appropriate safety precautions are in place.

"The company also welcomes any relevant local organisations, who want to reach out and join these discussions."

VIDEO: Georgia Corr, public policy manager of Lime ebike an scooter providers for Ireland and the UK, speaking at the launch of the company's first Irish based operation at Lucan Street in Castlebar.