![](https://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-22-at-7.28.11-AM-917x1200.jpg)
Lime can boast two million rides on their scooters and the corporate desires to point out the City of Portland they’re prepared for a long-term relationship.
As we reported final week, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is on the lookout for one or two scooter operators to take over the present pilot program and supply a bigger fleet and different upgrades in change for much less competitors and a extra secure contract. One of the foremost modifications PBOT has requested potential distributors to make is a locking mechanism that may permit scooters to be connected to designated parking stalls.
Lime says their new Gen4 scooters are as much as the duty. The firm introduced right this moment they’ve begun to swap out their current fleet with upgraded scooters that embody a cable lock to encourage riders to lock them to bike racks and different designated parking spots. “This will decrease street clutter and promote safety, improving the micromobility experience for everyone in the city including non-riders and other pedestrians,” a Lime assertion mentioned.
With extra scooters parked in racks, PBOT might want to work further exhausting to verify there are ample areas obtainable for bicycle customers.
![](https://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Untitled-1200x674.png)
The upgraded Lime scooters will even embody swappable, interchangeable batteries. That means upkeep crews can re-charge scooters extra effectively within the area with out having to spherical them up. This will scale back the car miles traveled of Lime upkeep automobiles and result in fewer carbon emissions.
Other new options of Lime’s Gen4 mannequin are swept-back handlebars (“reminiscent of bike handles” the corporate says), an improved kickstand, higher brakes, beefier suspension and bigger wheels, and a decrease deck.
Lime has operated scooters in Portland for the reason that first pilot program started in 2018 and can quickly announce riders have taken over two million rides. The firm has over 1,100 scooters on the bottom in Portland, greater than every other vendor. They count on a full fleet swap to be accomplished within the subsequent few weeks.
PBOT says all present scooter distributors can function by way of fall 2022 till a brand new vendor (or distributors) are chosen.
![Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)](https://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-26-at-2.47.12-PM-150x150.jpg)
Jonathan Maus is BikePortland’s editor, writer and founder. Contact him at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, through e mail at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or cellphone/textual content at 503-706-8804. Also, if you happen to learn and respect this web site, please grow to be a supporter.