Lime invests €6 million to improve transport during the Paris Olympics, deploys 15,000 electric bikes
Lime, a global leader in shared micromobility, is playing a key role in addressing the traffic situation during this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. In response to the expected increase in visitors to the city, Lime has invested €6 million in a significant expansion of its fleet, strengthening staff capacity and expanding its charging station network. In doing so, Lime aims to facilitate transport for the millions of visitors heading to Paris for the sporting festival of the year.
The Olympic Games attracted up to 10 million spectators to Paris this year, meaning the number of people in the Paris conurbation almost doubled. This huge wave of visitors is putting unprecedented pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure, and this is where Lime comes into play. The company has increased the number of its electric bicycles from the original 10,000 to 15,000, allowing for more efficient transportation not only for residents but also for visitors who need to move quickly and comfortably around the city.
Recognising the importance of smooth transport during such large events, Lime has also significantly strengthened its service capabilities in addition to expanding its fleet of electric bikes. The number of mechanics handling bike maintenance and repairs has been increased by 25%, and the number of patrols and service staff on the streets has increased by 30%. These workers are responsible for minor repairs to electric bikes on the ground and ensure that bikes are evenly distributed where they are needed most. Lime has also increased the number of service vehicles, which include scooters, cargo bikes and tricycles, allowing workers to move quickly even in heavy urban traffic.
One innovation that Lime introduced specifically for the Olympic Games period is the involvement of the users themselves in the charging process. In Paris, 90 charging stations have been set up where riders can swap their e-bike battery for a new one themselves and get 20 minutes of free riding in return. This move not only increases the efficiency of the service, but also strengthens the interaction between Lime and its users, who become active participants in the service.
Parisians have previously chosen Lime e-bikes as one of their main forms of urban transport, especially after the recent referendum that led to a ban on shared scooters in the city. Lime has responded to the demand from residents and visitors by gradually replacing scooters with electric bikes, which continue to grow in popularity. In the first two months of this year alone, the number of rides on Lime machines increased by 88% compared to the previous year.
During the Olympics, Lime also won the exclusive right to operate bikesharing in Versailles and Plaine Commune. In these areas, which are key for the staging of certain sporting disciplines, two large parking areas were set up at the station and the Chateau de Versailles, which can accommodate up to 400 bikes. These measures ensure the smooth transport of visitors between sporting events and contribute significantly to the smooth running of the Games.
Paris has long invested in the development of cycling infrastructure and Lime is an important partner in this effort. Since 2015, the city has invested €150 million in promoting cycling, making it the primary means of transport for many Parisians. Lime shares this vision and adapts its offerings to the specific needs and preferences of each city. While e-bikes are prevalent in Paris, scooters are more popular in other cities, such as Prague, and Lime reflects this in its offerings.
“The Olympics is not only a sporting event, but also a challenge for urban mobility. We are proud to contribute to making it easy and fast for visitors and residents of Paris to get around the city, while showing how bikesharing can effectively complement traditional forms of transport,” says Lucie Krahulcova, Lime’s Public Policy Manager for CEE.
Photo source: www.pexels.com
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