Shared e-bikes will be back on Hobart streets next week, with global operator Lime launching its service across the city on September 2.
The rollout follows a council decision earlier this year to scrap its mixed e-scooter and e-bike scheme.
That scheme, run by Beam Mobility, drew years of complaints about dumped scooters, footpath hazards and rider behaviour.
The council moved to an e-bike-only model and put the service out to tender, with Lime named the successful bidder of the initial 12-month permit.
Hobart’s entire fleet will be made up of 350 LimeBikes, which the company describes as its most advanced vehicle to date.
The same bike is used in Sydney, Paris, Seattle and Zurich.
Lime says the service will connect the CBD with areas including Sandy Bay’s university precinct, Battery Point and Salamanca.
“We’re thrilled to provide Hobart with affordable, reliable, low‑carbon shared e-bikes,” Lime’s head of Asia-Pacific Will Peters said.
“The city already boasts strong infrastructure for active transport and Lime will help commuters, students and visitors take advantage of it.”
Parking was a key sticking point under the old scheme.
Lime says it will use in-app tutorials, clear parking guidance and designated bays along CBD streets including Macquarie, Harrington, Argyle, Bathurst and Melville streets.
The company has also set up geofenced no-ride zones across parts of the CBD, including sections of Liverpool, Murray and Elizabeth streets.
No-parking zones will apply around Salamanca from Thursday to Saturday to make way for Salamanca Market.
Parts of Battery Point and Sandy Bay will also be covered by no-parking zones, while slow-speed zones will operate along Macquarie Street and within St David’s Park.
Lime will host a launch event at Mawson Place Concourse on September 5 from 10am to 12pm to show new riders how to use the bikes.
All users can get a free trip of up to 10 minutes using the promo code LIMELOVESHOBART until December 31.
