Lime may have eye on South
ELECTRIC scooters for hire appear likely to be on their way South.
Two jobs are being advertised for operations managers for hire company Lime, one in Dunedin and one in Queenstown.
Escooters have come under a barrage of complaints from pedestrians in Auckland and Christchurch, prompting authorities to legislate their use.
United States bike and scooter share company Lime has borne the brunt of much of the criticism.
The company launched in October with 900 scooters in Christchurch and Auckland and planned to double the number of escooters, which can reach speeds of 27kmh.
There have been more than 60 claims to ACC for escooter-related injuries, including collapsed lungs, fractures, bruises, head gashes and broken teeth.
Both advertisements say the company is seeking operations managers to join its team ‘‘working to bring our scooter and bike fleets into the local community’’.
Each manager would run a team ‘‘ranging from 4 to 20 specialists’’, but they were warned to expect the unexpected.
‘‘Being at a startup company means not everything will go according to plan. You should be a highenergy person who is not afraid of going out into the field, willing to pull the long hours when needed.
‘‘Able to work nights and weekends.’’
Lime staff did not respond to a request for comment last night.
Riders have to be 18 years old to use the scooters, but can ride them on the footpath and do not need to wear a helmet.
Users find, unlock and pay for them using an app. The dockless system means people can leave them at their destination.
Lime is also in talks with the Wellington City Council.