Lime scooter’s Adelaide operation extended as City Council plans new permit for two operators

Electric scooter giant Lime will get an extra four-weeks of operation in the CBD, as the Adelaide City Council draws up a six month permit for two providers to operate in Adelaide.

Ayman Kasim of Woodville, Natasha Taylor of Hallett Cove and Akram Kasim of Woodville riding the Lime Scooters for the first time in Adelaide. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

Electric scooter giant Lime will get an extra four-weeks of operation in the CBD, as the Adelaide City Council draws up a six month permit for two providers to operate in Adelaide.

Despite staff warning of a “significant reputational risk” by extending Lime’s existing permit past Sunday, potentially upsetting other operators, councillors voted to not take Lime’s 500-strong fleet off the city streets while a new Expressions of Interest process is drawn up.

Cr Alexander Hyde had originally proposed that a new three-month e-scooter trial for two operators should begin immediately after Lime’s current permit expires on Sunday.

He said the month-long trial had been a success.

“Despite some scratches and bruises it has been a success,” he said.

“It has really been about busting congestion in the city.”

But the status of Lime’s existing scooters caused some confusion among councillors and administration.

Council chief executive Mark Goldstone said administration could turn around a new EOI process before between today and Sunday but staff would rather more time to properly draw it up.

“It is problematic but it is not impossible,” he said.

Cr Arman Abrahimzadeh eventually proposed the council extended Lime’s existing approval as a temporary measure while conducting expressions of interest.

“It should also include updated permit conditions,” he said.

Lime will still have to apply for the new permit, which will be for six months under Cr Abrahimzadeh’s proposal.

Cr Robert Simms said the council should look at charging a levy on e-scooter providers.

“I do have some concerns about a company based in San Francisco making such a big profit in Adelaide when we could get a slice of the action ourselves,” he said.

Up to 10 e-scooter providers could be able to apply for the two permits and Deputy Lord Mayor Houssam Abiad said the market could be opened up at some point.