Lime celebrates 50,000 e-bike rides in Mayo county town
Lime, the world’s largest shared e-scooter and e-bike operator, has today announced it has hit over 50,000 rides in Castlebar, less than two years on from launch.
This milestone reflects the growing trend among local residents to incorporate cycling into their everyday routines and social outings, as well as the demand for active, sustainable transport in Ireland.
Castlebar became the first Irish town to welcome Lime’s shared e-bikes in September 2022.
Following the success and positive reception to the service in the area, Lime expanded into neighbouring town Westport in Summer 2023, providing greener shared transport to its 5,000 residents.
Lizzy Day, Senior Operations Manager UK&I at Lime said: ‘We're thrilled to see Castlebar residents continuing to opt for shared, carbon-free transport as a means for commuting, socialising with friends and running errands, and hope that the same level of enthusiasm continues this year.
"We will continue to work closely with Mayo County Council, to continue to provide and encourage these options as we look to motivate more people out of cars for journeys under five miles.
“We also remind riders to consider the safety of themselves and others as they continue to enjoy using our services.
"We always encourage helmets when cycling, and ask people to consider other road users when parking their vehicle.
"Our vehicles should never be left in a way that obstructs pavements or busy junctions, as this can create difficulties for those with access needs.”
Fergal O' Malley, Castlebar Municipal District, said: “We are lucky to have this magnificent service in Castlebar and Westport.
"We look forward to working closely with Lime to continuously improve the service for our local population.
“E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes and go faster due to their battery power. E-bike users must follow traffic laws, avoid riding on footpaths, park courteously and use the appropriate safety gear, including helmets.”
Lime continues to prioritise safety and considerate parking to its riders in Castlebar, including encouraging locals to wear helmets when riding.
It works closely with Mayo County Council to establish parking zones to ensure that the bikes are always parked responsibly, avoid pavement obstructions, and that its service provides a safe and sustainable option for both riders and pedestrians in the area.
As part of its efforts to ensure safe and tidy parking, Lime requires all riders to take an end-trip photo when they park, which is reviewed by Lime. Any riders that park obstructively or irresponsibly are warned and then fined. Repeat offenders will be banned from Lime’s service.
To use the e-bikes in Castlebar, riders are required to pay an initial unlock fee of €1 with a charge of 15 cent per minute for the rest of the ride.
Ireland was the 36th country to have launched Lime’s vehicles globally, with the provider operating services in 250+ cities around the world.
It is the only provider serving all major European capitals including London, Paris, Madrid, and Rome, as well as major US cities such as New York and Washington DC.