A new shared electric scooter service has arrived in Christchurch. This is a guide on how to use them and how to stay safe.

People riding Lime e-scooters

What you should know about electric scooters

E-scooters

Three e-scooter share providers are set to be operating in Christchurch by spring, with 1600 scooters available for public use. 

Lime Technology currently has a fleet of 1000 in operation. In June, Singapore-based company Beam, will start operating a 300-strong fleet until the end of February 2020. The third provider, Wellington-firm Flamingo, intends to come on board with 300 scooters in spring. 

The number of scooters permitted in the city has currently been capped at 1600.

Read more about Lime on Newsline.(external link)

Read more about Beam and Flamingo starting on Newsline (external link)

Contact details

Lime

If you need to get in touch with Lime:

The Lime smartphone app(external link) is needed to use the scooters - instructions are on the scooters.

Beam

The Beam app can be downloaded from their website.(external link)

 

Using e-scooters

E-scooters can be ridden on the footpath, shared paths and roadways.

On the footpath users must:

  • be careful and considerate and ride the scooters at a speed that doesn't put other people on the footpath at risk
  • give way to both pedestrians and people on mobility devices

 On the road e-scooters must be operated as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway.

Parking e-scooters

E-scooters should be parked upright and close to the kerb edge where lampposts, signs and rubbish bins are usually placed. This means they won't block the path of people using footpaths.

Don't park e-scooters on narrow footpaths or in busy areas where there isn't enough room for people to pass and don't park them up against fences, buildings or entranceways.

Scooters parked correctly and incorrectly

Safety

There are existing rules about the use of e-scooters(external link) which require users to operate them with care and consideration.

We are working with the police to encourage safe riding.

Some tips include:

  • Be aware – watch for car doors opening, potholes, pedestrians and check for left turning vehicles. Also be aware that it will take some time to stop if you are going downhill.
  • Be predictable – maintain a straight line and use the bell as the e-scooters are silent. 
  • Be seen – make sure the front and rear lights are working, make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians and watch out for blind zones such as parked cars and corners. 
  • Be patient – slow down near parked or queued vehicles, give way to pedestrians, pass slowly and ride with courtesy. 
  • Be prepared – it is recommended to wear a helmet and check the scooter before setting off. Become familiar with the brakes and the small wheel size. Ensure you have enough room to safely stop suddenly.

Presentation to the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee on the e-scooter trial.