Council allows Lime scooters to stay in Brisbane

Transportation company Lime is set to be slugged with big fees if it wants to keep its e-scooters in Brisbane.

LIME is set to be slugged with big fees if it wants to keep its e-scooters in Brisbane, after the council today announced it would be extending the company’s operating permit.

Brisbane City Council confirmed it would allow Lime to operate in the city through to March 29, after the company convinced them their devices were safe to use.

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Beyond March 29, the council could allow them to stay for another three months, but they would be made to cough up $570 per scooter as a cost recovery measure.

The council anticipates the move would net them more than $111,000 in revenue over the three month period — or over $420,000 a year.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he was satisfied Lime had addressed a wheel locking issue that had forced the council to put the company on notice two weeks ago.

Lime scooters will remain in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

Cr Schrinner also revealed police had since stepped up their enforcement activities, issuing more than $28,000 in fines to riders caught speeding and travelling without a helmet.

“We appreciate the police involvement in this process,” he said.

“There needs to be ongoing enforcement to make sure people are doing the right thing, to make sure these scooters are used safely in Brisbane.”

Lime’s Public Affairs Manager Nelson Savanh said the council’s decision to keep Lime on the streets was great news.

“With over 600,000 rides since our launch we’re moving people around the city like never before and getting more cars off our congested roads,” he said.

“We’ll keep working closely with Council to provide safe, affordable and convenient transport options for our city.”

The council will vote next Tuesday to go out to tender to find two e-scooter companies to operate in Brisbane permanently from July.

The companies will be allowed to collectively operate 1,000 scooters each. Lime currently has a permit to operate 750 scooters.