Lime to replace Beryl on West Mids e-bikes scheme

Transport for West Midlands says a deal to replace the bike and e-scooter hire scheme in Birmingham will save £1.4m a year from local authority budgets.

The transport authority announced Lime as the new provider for the service, which allows the public to rent electric bikes and scooters from various points across Birmingham, prior to the end of a three-year contract with Beryl which is due to finish at the end of March.

Around 2,000 bikes and e-scooters will be delivered as part of the scheme, but hire prices could be set to rise under a new pricing structure – although TfWM says Lime has committed to maintaining existing overall price levels for the first two years.

The deal with Lime means the service will operate at no cost to the taxpayer, which until now cycle hire has cost £1.4m a year to run.

“By bringing in a brand-new fleet of bikes and scooters and freezing prices for the next two years, we’re making sure there’s a practical and affordable green alternative for shorter journeys – helping to tackle traffic congestion and improve the air we breathe,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.

“And by securing a partnership that operates at no cost to the taxpayer, we are saving the public purse more than £1 million a year. This is money we can now reinvest back into our regional transport, delivering better journeys for everyone.”

Lime has replaced Beryl as the West Midlands scooter provider. Credit: Lime

Although run by TfWM for the wider region, the existing “micromobility” hire scheme operates only in Birmingham and on the University of Warwick campus. However, Lime says it plans to work with WMCA on expanding the service to “every part of the West Midlands” over the course of the deal.

Tom Newham, Lime Senior Manager of Public Affairs, said: “We’re thrilled to be coming to the West Midlands and to be working with WMCA, whose ambition for active travel has laid strong foundations for expanding shared bikes and e-scooters across the region.

“The West Midlands is well suited and primed for this, with multiple towns and city centres close together and a strong public transport network. Through WMCA’s continued investment in micromobility and supporting infrastructure, there’s a real drive to make e-bikes and e-scooters a popular, practical and affordable choice for getting around.

“We’re looking forward to working with communities in every part of the West Midlands to build a service that’s run locally and works for everyone – whether they ride Lime or not.”