North Sydney to trial Lime e-bike scheme with 250-plus bikes hitting local roads

A new e-bike hire scheme is set to launch on the lower north shore – sparking concerns the bikes will turn local streets into “eye sores” and create street clutter of the “highest order”.

A new e-bike hire scheme is set to launch on the lower north shore – sparking concerns the bikes will turn local streets into “eye sores” and create street clutter of the “highest order”.

North Sydney Council has given the green light for ride-share company Lime Bikes to add at least 250 electric bikes to the local street network in a move to encourage more people to cycle, rather than use cars.

The scheme works by users downloading a Lime app to their smartphones, before locating a bike and scanning a QR code on the bicycle to unlock it.

After the initial three month trial, the council will assess the success of the scheme before considering making it a permanent fixture.

The move has been welcomed by Labor councillor Shannon Welch who believes the scheme will provide a “carbon-free” alternative to cars.

A Lime bike scheme is set to launch in North Sydney.

“It’s a promising initiative that aligns with our sustainability, health and congestion reduction goals,” Ms Welch said. “It also enhances accessibility and comes at no financial cost to the council making it a practical and valuable addition to the community’s transport options.”

But critics have raised concerns over implications of the trial, including the potential for e-bikes to be dumped in waterways and parks.

At least 250 bikes will form part of the trial.

Councillor Jilly Gibson said previous rollouts of shared-cycle schemes caused major headaches in the local government area.

“The last time we had bike shares in use in the community they were dumped everywhere and I’m not convinced they are a benefit for the environment,” she said. “Overseas, they are dropped here, there and everywhere and present trip hazards of the highest order.”

Councillor James Spenceley also has concerns over the impending trial.

“Most cities that have these schemes tend to become ugly soars with dumped bikes blocking parking, street corners and disrupting the flow of pedestrian traffic,” he said. “I’m not convinced it’s a great design for our area.”

North Sydney Councillor James Spenceley.

Lime Bikes will launch a trial in North Sydney.

As part of the trial, Lime Bikes has pledged to provide an “experienced team of field staff and mechanics” who would be on-call to respond to any issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company has further pledged to collect any bikes that cause “unreasonable hazard to people’s safety” – including bikes parked across a road – within a two hour time frame.

Lime Australia New Zealand general manager Hugo Burt-Morris said the scheme would expand to North Sydney “in coming months”.

“North Sydney is a welcome addition to our service zone, and we are excited to be able to offer North Sydney residents a carbon-free, safe and affordable transport option,” he said.

Mr Burt-Morris said parking guidelines for Lime Bikes include requirements for users to park on the kerb side of the footpath and to not block the path of pedestrians.

“All riders must also take a photo of their parked vehicle when their ride is complete and this is reviewed by our local team to ensure our Sydney parking criteria is met,” he said.

Lime Bikes already operates in six council areas in Sydney across the CBD, inner west and eastern suburbs.

Lime Bikes also operates e-scooters in several cities including Melbourne, however it is not proposed e-scooters will form part of the North Sydney trial.