Lime e-scooters come to Seattle offering socially distant travel

Lime has launched 500 shared electric scooters in Seattle.

The first to do so in the city, Seattle’s e-scooter program will see up to 1,500 scooters initially available across the city, once all three vendors have launched.

Riders will be able to ride scooters anywhere in the city, as Seattle becomes the latest city in the US to launch an e-scooter program.

It is hoped the switch from car to e-scooter will bring the benefits in improved air quality, reduced congestion and shorter commute times already proven in cities where similar schemes have launched.

As a sustainable mode of travel, shared e-scooters have the potential to fill the gap for trips not served by public transit, as well as providing a safe, open-air travel option that allows for social distancing.

The initial launch fleet will be available from the Central District and SODO to Capitol Hill, Downtown, South Lake Union, Ballard, Fremont and the U District.

Following authorisation to expand, the fleet will be deployed into more areas across the city.

“We’re thrilled to launch e-scooters in Seattle today to provide more sustainable, car-free and socially-distant options as the city begins to recover from COVID,” said Jonathan Hopkins, Director for Strategic Development at Lime.

“Scooters are a safe way to cut down on commute times, enjoy the city outside while the weather is warm and visit local businesses.”

Scooters cost $1.00 to unlock and $0.36 per minute to ride. A new LimePass subscription service in Seattle to provide riders with greater flexibility and reduced costs for the most frequent users, including Lime’s Day, Month and Unlock passes.

As part of its launch, Lime also plans to host its ‘First Ride’ training class in the coming weeks, aimed at helping first-time and early riders learn to ride in a safe, comfortable environment.