Last week, St. Paul City council approved the return of bike sharing, in the form of bright green Lime e-bikes. It has been five years since a bike share program has been available to St. Paul residents, and the initiative also marks the first electric-assist bike share program to ever take place in the city.
One of the largest motorized vehicle companies, Lime is already one of two e-scooter providers in St. Paul. Lime electronic bikes have been popular in Minneapolis, especially around the University of Minnesota campus. As of August Lime e-vehicles are available to ride between Minneapolis and St. Paul, making the cities even more connected.
The dockless vehicles will be deployed mid-month. Riders can zip around the capitol city with ease due to the bikes increased motor power. Phone holders built into the design allows for hands-free navigation, and eliminates the threat of dangerous distracted biking.
The city has allocated 30% of the new vehicles for low-income areas, the Pioneer Press Reports.
With automatically discounted rates in the designated areas, the city is ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of bike sharing.