Lime, the San Mateo, Calif.-based transportation company, is withdrawing its shared dockless bike service from the Chicago suburb of Rockford, according to Lime officials.
Lime spokespeople declined to verify if Lime was phasing out its pedal bikes in other cities, but it’s been reported recently that it’s happening in both Seattle and St. Louis. The reports also indicate that Lime is repositioning its business, retreating from pedal bikes in favor of electric scooters and electric bikes. As of now, there aren't any electric scooters or bikes in Rockford.
“We remain hopeful we can revisit this with Rockford in the future and are open to finding a long-term partnership tailored to the needs of their citizens,” Lime said in a statement to Chicago Inno. “Through this partnership, we’ve learned a great deal about the Rockford community’s desire for more convenient, green transportation options.”
The dockless bikes first launched in Rockford last April, and the bikes were used 25,500 times last season, filling transportation gaps for many. But the company said ridership was still lower than its expectations.
The development in Rockford points to what Lime’s service in Chicago could look like if it ever permanently comes to Chicago. Lime has so far only had a minor presence in Chicago. It introduced its dockless bikes in a six-month pilot program last year. And over the summer, Lime started holding weekend demos for its electric scooters.
On Saturday, March 2, Lime is holding a demo at its Lime Lounge at 300 N. Lasalle St. to allow Chicagoans a chance to test out its Gen 3 electric scooter, a safer and more comfortable version of its original.
