Lime scooters return to South Lake Tahoe July 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lime will be bringing scooters back to South Lake Tahoe after a unanimous vote by the City Council to temporarily reduce fees associated with the popular mobile devices during their meeting Tuesday. With a reduced season the new charge of $75 per device was not making sense according to the company.

Lime, which has been the sole shared mobility operator in the City, had indicated that based on the unpredictability of the season and its late start due to COVID-19, it would not deploy any of the scooters in the City this season under the City’s current fee structure. No other operators have applied to operate this season.

The modified fee structure is now ten cents per ride and required the Council to vote on an Emergency Order to temporarily modify the free structure.

"Lime is excited to continue our partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe and we're grateful for Council and staff's support during these unprecedented times," said Lime's Government Relations Director Karla Owunwanne. "We look forward to returning at a moment where cities and residents alike are rethinking their rides and turning to micromobility for safe, open-air transportation options that allow for social distancing. Whether for commuting, a quick run to the store or to help reinvigorate tourism in town, scooters are the best way to make short trips in these unprecedented times."

The company plans to relaunch with about 100 scooters by July 1 and will scale up the fleet to around 500 by the weekend.

Each scooter will be cleaned thoroughly whenever a staff member touches it, but when in use it will be up to riders to ensure their safety. Cleaning will take place both in the warehouse and out on streets and can occur up to several times a day.

Lime will provide in-app reminders to riders regarding our “THRIVE” health and safety best practices, including:

- Take precautions — inspect the scooter to make sure the wheels, brakes, throttle, lights, and frame are all in good working condition. For a tutorial please see: https://safety.li.me/
- Hands — wash your hands or use hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol-based when you arrive at your final destination. Wear gloves when you can.
- Ride Solo for safety and social distancing; maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
- Identify bike lanes and be aware of traffic lights and signs.
- Vigilance - remain alert of your surroundings and potential road and safety hazards.
- Enjoy Responsibly - Be mindful of other road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and fellow scooter riders, and always wear a helmet

"We’re following the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), federal agencies, and other global health organizations to collect the most up-to-the-minute information to ensure the actions we're taking are comprehensive and expedient. Based on this information, we will decide to continue, pause, or suspend operations in certain markets," said Russell Murphy of Lime.

The modified fee requirement of ten cents per ride charge will generate around $20,000, approximately two-thirds of the budgeted 2019-2020 revenue.