In a move that reflects a nationwide trend, Lime (formerly known as LimeBike) has ended its bike-sharing program in Wake Forest.
Earlier this month, the dockless bike share company known for its bright green-colored bicycles notified the Town that it would be ending the pilot program on March 15.
“Lime communicated to us that it is focusing on scooters now, instead of bikes,” said Transportation Planning Manager Suzette Morales.
In April 2018, the Town entered into an agreement that allowed Lime to offer bicycles for a fee anywhere in the town limits. As part of the initiative, Lime brought approximately 200 bicycles to Wake Forest and placed them in clusters in high traffic areas around town, including downtown and in parks and greenways.
Now, less than 12 months later, Lime has removed its bikes and left town.
Several cities across the United States have reported similar trends as “micro-mobility” companies, such as Lime, embrace an industry-wide shift away from pedal-powered bikes and toward e-scooters.
Morales said Wake Forest may consider exploring a partnership with a dock-based bikeshare company in the future, but for now nothing has been decided.
In the meantime, area residents should not expect to see any e-scooters along Wake Forest streets any time soon.
During its regular monthly meeting on March 19, the Board of Commissioners voted to define motorized scooters as “any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor or other power source. The device may also have a seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride.”
Then, noting a concern for public safety, the Board voted to ban motorized scooters from operating on sidewalks, greenways, parks, city streets, and all other public areas.
The ban does not include wheelchairs, mobility aids and other power-driven mobility devices utilized by those with disabilities.
