The City of Grand Rapids is committed to ensuring residents, especially those in the Neighborhoods of Focus, have access to affordable and convenient transportation options like Bike Scooters. These Neighborhoods of Focus, identified in a 2016 study funded by the Kellogg Foundation, are areas within the city with higher poverty and unemployment rates, and lower educational attainment.
Recognizing the transportation needs in these areas, the bike scooter program service area covers a significant 74% of the Neighborhoods of Focus. To make these services even more accessible, all bike scooter rides starting within a Neighborhood of Focus automatically receive a 30% discount. This discount is applied on top of standard user fees, and is available unless the user is already benefiting from programs like Lime Access or the University Student Discount.
Understanding Bike Scooter User Fees
For both stand-on e-scooters and e-assist bicycles provided by Lime, the standard user fees are structured to be affordable. Users can expect to pay $1 to unlock a bike scooter, and then an additional 36 cents for each minute of ride time.
Discount Programs for Affordable Bike Scooter Rides
The City of Grand Rapids has actively partnered with Lime to create programs that further reduce the cost of bike scooter usage for those who need it most.
Automatic Discounts in Neighborhoods of Focus
As mentioned, residents starting their rides in the Neighborhoods of Focus automatically receive a 30% discount on their bike scooter trips. This initiative aims to lower transportation barriers within these communities.
Lime Access for Lower-Income Riders
For eligible users who qualify for the Lime Access program, even deeper discounts are available. Approved Lime Access users receive a substantial 50% discount on the standard bike scooter rates. Individuals interested in learning more and applying for Lime Access can find detailed information at https://www.li.me/why/community/lime-accessStudents.
Student Discounts at Grand Rapids Colleges and Universities
Students attending colleges and universities in the Grand Rapids area are also eligible for discounted bike scooter rides. By signing up with their official school email address, students at the following institutions can automatically receive a 30% discount on all their Lime bike scooter trips:
- Aquinas College
- Calvin University
- Central Michigan University
- Cornerstone University
- Davenport University
- Ferris State University
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Grand Valley State University
- Kuyper College
- Michigan State University
- Western Michigan University
Accessibility of Bike Scooters for Persons with Disabilities
Currently, fully accessible micromobility devices are not yet available within Grand Rapids’ bike scooter program. However, Mobile GR is actively collaborating with Lime to improve device functionality and broaden accessibility for all users. Future improvements include the planned introduction of sit-down scooters in 2025, and the recent addition of hand throttles to all Lime e-bikes, enhancing usability for a wider range of individuals.
Language Options on the Bike Scooter Platform
To ensure inclusivity and ease of use for diverse populations, the Lime platform offers language options in both English and Spanish. This feature helps to make the bike scooter service accessible to a broader segment of the Grand Rapids community.
Grand Rapids is working to make bike scooter transportation a viable and affordable option for all its residents, with a particular focus on accessibility and affordability for priority communities and student populations. The ongoing partnership with Lime and commitment to improvement promises even greater access in the future.
