How to Use a Lime Scooter

Lime scooters have become a popular choice for urban commuters across many US cities. These electric scooters offer a sense of liberation to city residents who don't own cars, providing an alternative to walking, public transit, or ride-sharing apps. If you're interested in riding one of these vibrant green Lime-S electric assist scooters that line the streets of your city, you may be wondering where to begin. By downloading the Lime app and familiarizing yourself with local regulations, you'll soon be cruising around town on a Lime scooter.

Get the Lime app for free on your smartphone. You can easily find the Lime app by searching for it on the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. After downloading the app, you'll need to provide some basic information about yourself before you can start riding.

Input your credit card details. Lime scooters incur a small unlocking fee as well as a per-minute charge. To pay for a Lime scooter, you must input your credit card information into the app, enabling it to charge your account.

Locate a nearby scooter using the Lime app's map. Open the app and check the map for the green lime icons indicating nearby scooters. If none are visible, try zooming out to locate scooters slightly farther away.

Head towards the nearest scooter. Once you've identified a nearby scooter on the app, walk in its direction. Utilize the map if needed. If you can't spot the scooter upon arrival, use the app's option to make it emit a sound, revealing its location.

Unlock the scooter by scanning the QR code or entering the code. Use the app to scan the QR code atop the scooter. Alternatively, manually enter the 6-digit code displayed on the scooter into the app.

Pay the unlocking fee. Lime scooters typically charge a $1 fee to unlock. While this initial cost is low, remember that riding incurs an additional charge of approximately $0.15 per minute, or $9 per hour, in most US cities. Your credit card will be charged immediately.

Review your state's transportation regulations regarding licensing requirements. Some states mandate a driver's license before using an e-scooter. While most places do not, a quick online search can confirm whether you need a license to avoid legal issues.

Inspect the scooter for signs of damage or wear. Check the tires for damage or deflation and test the hand brake for proper functioning. Look for any cracks or missing parts on the scooter's body that could pose a safety risk.

Wear a helmet for protection against potential injuries. Many cities mandate helmet use, and even where not required by law, wearing one is highly advisable for safety. Helmets provide crucial protection on streets where e-scooters are vulnerable.

Start by placing one foot on the scooter deck and pushing off with the other. With both hands on the scooter handles, place one foot on the deck and use the other foot to kick off against the ground. Once in motion, bring both feet onto the deck. Balancing should be easy due to the scooter's large wheels.

Accelerate by pressing down on the e-scooter's throttle. The throttle, located near the right handle, can be pressed to increase speed. Pressing harder on the throttle will result in faster acceleration.

Apply the hand brakes when necessary by gripping the metal handles. Similar to a bicycle, the brakes are situated in front of the handles for easy access. Use the brakes early to ensure a smooth slowdown or stop.

Periodically check your battery level while riding. If you've been riding for a while or started with a low battery scooter, it's essential to monitor the battery level. Find a safe spot to stop and use the app to check the battery status.

Stay vigilant for road irregularities like bumps and cracks. Even small obstacles can pose a risk to e-scooter riders due to the device's small wheels. Watch out for imperfections in the road surface to avoid accidents.

Be mindful of cars to prevent accidents and injuries. Whether parked or in motion, cars pose a significant risk to e-scooter users. Always assume that drivers haven't seen you until you make eye contact with them, similar to biking safety practices.

Follow the traffic regulations of the city you're riding in. As an e-scooter user, you must adhere to the same traffic laws as other electric scooter riders. These typically align with car and bicycle regulations, including obeying traffic signals, using hand signals for turns, and yielding to pedestrians and vehicles.

Locate a suitable off-road spot to park the scooter. Avoid obstructing driveways, bus stops, ramps, and crosswalks. Position the scooter along the sidewalk or curb's edge. If no suitable parking is available, move to another area to prevent leaving the scooter in an unsafe location.

Deploy the kickstand to stabilize the scooter. The kickstand is positioned on the deck's side. Engage it with your foot to ensure the scooter remains upright. If the kickstand is damaged or missing, lean the scooter against a wall or pole to prevent tipping.

End your ride and lock the scooter using the app's “End Ride” function. Tap the button to halt per-minute charges and secure the scooter. Only select this option when you've finished riding and have parked the scooter upright in an appropriate spot.

Settle the per-minute riding charge. Your credit card will be billed for this fee upon locking the scooter. Anticipate the charge, which can vary depending on the duration of your ride.