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Roll out welcome mat for electric scooters in Hamilton

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Lime-S electric scooters wants to put Hamilton on equal footing with Silicon Valley.

Lime has had preliminary discussions with Hamilton City Council and advertised for an operations manager in Hamilton. The council is developing a code of practice for all electric scooter operators and a permit system.

My business partner Jeremy Hughes and I recently used Lime-S electric scooters on a business trip in the major US technology hub.

We came down from the Silicon Valley Capital Club, scanned the Lime-S and went off in search of an American barbecue.

Lime-S was a brilliant, funky and cost-effective way of getting around.

It’s great to see the California-based business expanding its operations here in Waikato.

If there was a row of scooters outside our Wintec House office, in the CBD, I would ride them into the CBD and neighbouring suburbs like Frankton and Hamilton East. On a nice day I would ride them up to the University of Waikato.

Lime’s scooters were pulled from the streets of Auckland and Dunedin in February following a number of recent incidents, some resulting in injuries, caused by wheels unexpectedly locking.

Hopefully this situation can be rectified before Lime comes to Hamilton.

Lime says all communities deserve access to smart, affordable mobility, and I couldn’t agree more.

“Through the equitable distribution of shared scooters, bikes and transit vehicles, we aim to reduce dependence on personal automobiles for short distance transportation and leave future generations with a cleaner, healthier planet.”

How to Lime? That is the question on urban commuters’ lips. Commuters use the Lime app to find the closest Lime-S to them and unlock the scooter.

Here’s how to use a LIME scooter:

Step 1: Use the Lime app to unlock the Lime-S scooter.

Step 2: Follow local helmet regulations.The New Zealand Transport Agency says a helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter in New Zealand, but it is recommended.

Step 3: Step on the scooter, and kick forward.

Step 4: Press down throttle to accelerate. Maximum range is 60km (37 miles).

Step 5: Squeeze hand brake to stop. Use caution going downhill. Always follow the official New Zealand Road Code. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/ Watch for obstructions.

Step 6: Park your Lime-S safely.

Step 7: Use the Lime app to lock up the Lime-S scooter and end your ride.

Step 8: Smile!

I hope to see you out there.

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About Author

David Hallett

David Hallett is a co-founder and director of Hamilton software specialist Company-X