Electrifying news in Norfolk today: Lime–famous for their signature green scooters–will be deploying 500 e-bikes throughout the city. They’ll be available for use through all the same apps as the scooters. Presumably, this means not just the Lime app but Google Maps as well. 

The community has had quite the roller coaster of micro-mobility these past few years: Pace bikes were exceptionally well-received but couldn’t make their finances work. Bird and Lime scooters showed up without any notice and were immediately embraced by riders. Bird scooters left just as rapidly as they showed up, leaving only the Limes behind.

With significant investments in bike and scooter infrastructure in Norfolk, these micro-mobility options are more accessible and easier to use. Since launching e-scooters in Norfolk in 2019, Lime has provided more than 1,002,308 rides with a fleet of 1,250 scooters. Downtown even has designated  Lime parking (call them fruit stands if you want). 

Overall the increased availability of these options is a huge positive for the region. People who aren’t in cars are more engaged with their surroundings, building better relationships with their neighbors and small businesses. Not to mention, they help reduce street-side emissions resulting in cleaner air for everyone. The promise of e-bikes should only add to the appeal of micro-mobility. Plenty of folks might be a bit uncomfortable piloting a scooter and would much prefer the familiar feel of a bike instead. Welcome to town Lime Bikes!  

Pro-tip on transportation apps: if you want to see Lime options, rideshare options, and HRT options, you can utilize Google Maps to see all of them. 

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!