Lime e-bike hire in Derby

About the scheme

Derby is working with operator Lime on an e-bike rental scheme for the city.

Lime dockless bikes must be picked up and dropped off in designated parking bays which can be found on the app. Lime will provide detailed information to users on compulsory parking bays, preferred parking zones and no-parking zones. Users who don't observe these parking restrictions will receive a fine.

Where can I use an e-Bike?

The first phase of the scheme will see 150 e-bikes made available that can be used within a section of the city. More details on the first phase will be made available via the Lime app, and users will need to check if they can complete their journey within the selected zone. Over the next few months the operating area will increase so e-bikes can be used within the city boundary.

Why are Lime only launching the scheme in a section of the city?

This is an approach that Lime takes with all new e-bike schemes to gradually roll-out the scheme in a targeted way. The areas selected consist of a mix of communities and key infrastructure as well as utilise data from the previous scheme that showed strong usage in these wards.

This phased approach helps Lime to gain valuable data on usage whilst allowing the team to efficiently deal with teething problems during the first few weeks of the scheme. Lime’s approach to scaling ensures that lessons learned at the earlier stages of the scheme are quickly embedded into future expansions to deliver the best possible service for both riders and non-riders.

How much do e-bikes cost to hire?

Lime charges a fixed rate (£1.00) to unlock an e-bike and then 19p per minute to ride.

Average journeys cost between £3.50 to £4.50.

Lime’s minute bundles offer the best value for money for both regular riders and visitors to Derby, with effective per-minute rates of between 50-55% lower than the standard pay-as-you-ride tariff.

Signing up to Lime

Bikes can be hired through the Lime app that is available on the Apple or Google Play store.

You can start your ride in three steps.

Step 1

Download the app, create an account including linking a payment method, and accept our terms and conditions. You must be 18+ to sign up.

Information can be viewed about the user agreement and privacy.

Step 2

Find a Lime vehicle on the map in a nearby parking bay.

Step 3

Unlock your vehicle by scanning the QR code or by tapping a button on the app.

Ride responsibly

A safe community starts with riding responsibly. It is important to remember the rules of the road before every ride. You should always:

• ride on the road or bike lanes, never on the pavement
• wear a helmet when you ride

Visit Lime: Safety to learn more.

Where can the e-bikes be parked?

Lime will deliver responsible parking across the service area using mandatory parking zones. Riders must only park in designated bays and failure to comply will lead to automated fines and potentially a ban for repeat offenses.

These zones use highly accurate GPS zoning to prevent bikes from locking outside of designated parking locations (agreed in partnership with the Council and wider stakeholder groups).

Mandatory parking zones prevent street clutter and access issues, whilst providing reliability for riders as to where they can pick up and drop off vehicles.

Lime’s operations team have begun the identification of parking locations in Derby, using our parking identification process which considers a range of factors including street environment, nearby cycling infrastructure, and passive surveillance.

The Council are also looking to support the Bikeshare project by adding new dedicated e-bike parking areas, known as 'mobility corrals'. These corrals will help protect cyclists and bikes from road traffic, reduce conflict between cyclists and pedestrians and reduce pavement parking in busy locations.

How do I report an e-bike parking issue?

If a dockless e-bike has been parked in a place that is causing an obstruction, or for other complaints, please report it through the mobile app.

Alternatively, Lime can be contacted by telephone 0800 808 5223 or email help-derby@li.me

What is the Lime Access discount?

Lime Access membership offers a 50% discount on all their e-bike rides.

You can qualify for Lime Access if you can show evidence you hold one of the following passes:

• Jobcentre Plus Travel Card
• Blue Light Card (for emergency service workers)
• Student Card (NUS student card or institution-specific)
• other free or discounted travel cards
• other eligible key worker IDs and passes.

You can complete the Lime Access form to apply.