Lime e-bikes in Nottingham

100 e-bikes are now available to hire across the city as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase active travel. 

The scheme launched this month, with hire locations across the city centre and surrounding areas. Phase 2 will see expansion into the remaining areas of Nottingham City.

The distinctive green and white e-bikes feature built-in lights and an electric motor for hills, as well as a phone-holder and basket. 

The fixed rate for hire is £1 to unlock a bike and then 19p per minute for riding. A 60-minute pass is also available for £4.99, and some people in the area will qualify for 50% discounts.  

The bikes have a range of 64 km but can only by used within the city boundary. They must also be picked up and dropped off at the designated parking bays which can be found on the app. 

Though the e-bike hire scheme is fully supported by Nottingham City Council, they (and local taxpayers) have not paid for it. 

Instead, it’s been delivered by private funding from Lime, supplemented by an award from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) to improve public transport, walking and cycling in Nottingham. 

Alice Pleasant, Public Affairs Manager at Lime, says: ‘Lime’s e-bikes have become a popular addition to the streets of London and, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, we hope to see more and more people adopting alternative transport methods.’ 

Alex Flint, Chief Executive of Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), says: ‘Championing sustainable ways to access Nottingham city centre, to shop and socialise, or to visit and enjoy the city’s open and green spaces, is important to Nottingham Business Improvement District, so we’re very excited to see the new generation of Lime e-bikes arriving in the city.’ 

For full details, see the ‘Hire a bike’ section of the Nottingham City Council website. 

The scheme is just one of a range of local efforts to make transport better and greener. Last week, we reported that Nottinghamshire residents will be able to use a free app to tell an on-demand bus service where to go – and when.

Photo: Lime Micromobility