Lime scooters back next week after assurances

LIME escooters have been given the allclear to return to Dunedin streets but fans may have to wait until next week for their next trip.

Representatives from Lime and the Dunedin City Council met yesterday to discuss the escooters’ return after their voluntary removal more than a week ago, due to safety concerns.

Council community services general manager Simon Pickford said Lime had agreed verbally to a set of five conditions and once they agreed in writing the council would be happy for the scooters to return.

Conditions included reporting any serious safety incidents, anywhere in the world, to the council within 48 hours, the weekly inspection of escooters used in Dunedin and more information about safety and rider behaviour.

‘‘Once we have written confirmation that they agree to these conditions, Lime scooters will be back on Dunedin streets.’’

Lime voluntarily withdrew its escooters in Dunedin last week, hours after Auckland temporarily suspended the company’s licence to operate, citing concerns about random brake lockups causing injuries to riders.

Auckland Council also announced yesterday it would allow Lime to operate again, providing it meets certain conditions regarding reporting safety incidents and concerning scooter maintenance.

In a statement, Lime executive Mitchell Price said there would be an update on the redeployment of the escooters on Monday.