Lime Electric Bike Share Program Launches In Downtown St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Residents and visitors have a new way to get around downtown St. Petersburg.

The city launched its new electric bike share program Wednesday, as Lime, an e-bike and scooter company that’s partnered with Uber, debuted its fleet of 260 Gen4 e-bikes throughout downtown, a news release said.

"Getting around downtown St. Petersburg should be safe, affordable, easy and convenient for our residents and visitors," Mayor Kenneth T. Welch said. "Lime's Gen4 e-bikes are smooth, eco-friendly, and comfortable. We're pleased to add this amenity as another green complement to the other modes of transit enjoyed by our residents and visitors like walking, e-scooters, the Downtown Looper and Central Avenue Trolley, and the SunRunner."

• Also Read: New SunRunner Stop Coming To 1st Ave. N. In St. Pete

Lime replaced St. Pete’s previous bike share program, which began in 2016 and was operated by CycleHop under the Coast Bike Share brand, St. Pete Rising reported. Ridership declined over time, as riders chose electric scooters over pedal bikes.

The St. Pete City Council approved the new program with Lime in March.

Lime currently offers electric bikes and scooters in more than 200 cities and 30 countries, according to its website.

Riders can access the e-bikes using the Lime app and Uber app platforms. Those who qualify for discounted rides may opt in for Lime Access, Lime's affordability program.

“With environment, infrastructure and resilience being one of the (Welch) administration’s Pillars for Progress, Lime’s shared e-bike program is an example of the city’s commitment to investing in environmental technology,” according to the news release.

Learn more about the city’s electric bike share program at www.stpete.org/bikeshare.