Lime’s new feature to lure more e-scooter riders

Got a Lime account but your mates don’t? Now, you can unlock multiple e-scooters from the one account.

Chris Isles and Caitlin Wood try out Lime e-scooters. Users can now unlock multiple scooters with one account. Picture AAP/David Clark

Lime has launched a Group Ride feature in Brisbane, allowing riders to unlock multiple e-scooters from one account.

Group Ride is currently available in more than 100 cities around the world, Lime spokesman Nelson Savanh said.

It comes as rival Neuron was forced to scramble to install a “software patch’’ to its entire fleet after reports some users had found a way to bypass its much-vaunted safety features.

Full Digital Access: $5 per month for the first 3 months (conditions apply)

It was reported that some users had disconnected and reconnected the batteries, allowing them to ride anywhere they liked, at any speed.

Neuron scooters have geo-blocking technology causing them to stop working in the Queen St Mall and other prohibited areas, and causing them to slow to 10kmh in areas with high foot traffic such as the South Bank Promenade.

They also won’t lock in prohibited CBD areas to stop users dumping them in off-limits places after use, and have a safety feature where they gradually accelerate.

Neuron’s city manager for Brisbane Jayden Bryant said it was investigating a report one of its scooters was tampered with in an attempt to access a temporary testing mode available on some of its N3 models.

Mr Bryant said Neuron had a reputation for being a leader in safety.

But in some good news for the company, Neuron said two venture capital firms had invested $24 million to help it expand and further develop its technology.

OTHER TOP WESTSIDE STORIES

New fuel app promises big savings

Chapel Hill dog offleash petition muzzled

The quirky super specials on offer at new Indooroopilly Aldi this Wednesday

Toowong Bowls Club to close after more than a century

Lime said its Group Ride feature was aimed at reducing accidents and misuse.

“This feature is improving the fun and safety of Lime scooters, by encouraging riders to teach others safe riding practices,” Mr Savanh said.

“Brisbane riders have been requesting Group Ride since they first heard it was launched overseas.’’

In December last year, Lime experienced a significant increase in rides during the Christmas season, recording more than 100,000 rides only weeks after hitting the streets.

Mr Savanh said the company hoped Group Ride would boost December usage this year.

Based on current rider data, Lime projected more than 92,000 rides would be taken this month.

Mr Savanh reiterated the company’s claims that the current Council-imposed cap of 400 scooters was not enough to meet consumer demand.

“Many riders cannot find available scooters, particularly in suburbs outside of the CBD,” he said.