Electric Scooters and E-Bikes Available in Austin

This post is about Lime Scooter Company, but other options exist from LINK, and Bird. I hope to cover these additional options in future posts. I plan to cover the many bike routes, shops and transportation options other than cars.

Lime Scootersand Bicycles in Austin, Texas

Lime is a dockless micromobility company that provides electric scooters and bicycles for rent in Austin, Texas. Lime scooters and bicycles are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, and they are becoming increasingly popular with residents and visitors alike.

Where to Ride and Park

Lime scooters and bicycles can be ridden on most streets and sidewalks in Austin, with the exception of certain areas that are prohibited by the city. Prohibited areas include:

  • High-traffic areas, such as downtown and the University of Texas campus
  • Certain pedestrian-only areas, such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
  • Private property

Lime scooters and bicycles can be parked in designated parking areas, which are marked with Lime decals. Riders are also allowed to park in non-designated areas, as long as they do not block sidewalks, driveways, or other traffic.

How Much They Cost and How to Pay

To use a Lime scooter or bicycle, riders must download the Lime app and create an account. Riders can then pay for their ride using a credit card or debit card.

Lime scooters cost $1 to start riding and 29 cents per minute (City of Austin fee included). Lime bicycles cost $1 to start riding and 15 cents per minute (City of Austin fee included).

Austin City Fees and Regulations

The City of Austin charges a fee of 10 cents per minute for Lime scooter and bicycle rides. This fee is used to support the city’s micromobility program and to offset the costs of sidewalk repairs and other infrastructure improvements.

The city also has a number of regulations in place for Lime scooter and bicycle riders. These regulations include:

  • Riders must be at least 18 years old to ride Lime scooters and bicycles.
  • Riders must wear a helmet while riding.
  • Riders must obey all traffic laws.
  • Riders must park Lime scooters and bicycles in designated parking areas.

How to Use the Lime Scooter and Bicycles

To use a Lime scooter or bicycle, riders simply need to open the Lime app and find a nearby scooter or bicycle. Once a scooter or bicycle is located, riders can scan the QR code on the vehicle to unlock it.

To ride a Lime scooter, riders simply stand on the scooter and push off with their foot. The scooter will then accelerate automatically. To brake, riders simply squeeze the brake lever on the handlebar.

To ride a Lime bicycle, riders simply sit on the bicycle and start pedaling. The bicycle has a built-in electric motor that will assist the rider in pedaling. To brake, riders simply squeeze the brake levers on the handlebar.

Do I Need to Wear Safety Gear?

Lime strongly recommends that riders wear a helmet while riding their scooters and bicycles. Helmets are not provided by Lime, so riders must bring their own.

Where to Leave Them When I’m Done My Lime Time is Up

Lime scooters and bicycles can be left in designated parking areas, which are marked with Lime decals. Riders are also allowed to park in non-designated areas, as long as they do not block sidewalks, driveways, or other traffic.

Is a Lime Scooter Comfortable to Ride?

Lime scooters and bicycles are generally comfortable to ride. The scooters are lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the bicycles have a comfortable saddle and upright riding position.

Who is the Intended Audience?

Lime scooters and bicycles are intended for people of all ages and abilities. However, riders must be at least 18 years old to ride Lime scooters and bicycles.

Can Children Ride Them?

Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to ride Lime scooters and bicycles.

How Fast Do They Go?

Lime scooters can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. Lime bicycles can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

How Far Do They Go?

Lime scooters have a range of up to 15 miles on a single charge. Lime bicycles have a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge.

Do I Have to Charge Them?

Lime scooters and bicycles are charged by Lime employees. Riders do not need to worry about charging the vehicles themselves.

What Happens If the Power Dies While I’m Riding Them?

If the power dies while you are riding a Lime scooter or bicycle, you will be able to continue riding for a short period of time. However, you will need to park the vehicle as soon as possible and contact Lime customer support.

How Many of Them Are in Service?

Lime has a fleet of over 10,000 scooters, and 5,850 are in Austin Texas along with 500 Bicycles. While lime is the Dominant Provider (Many left town because of the City of Austin Fees and the drop in riders after Covid restrictions were lifted) there is another provider which offers 1,500 scooters called Link, and 3,000 from a company called Bird.