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What Happened to Lime Scooters?

Published in Micromobility 1 min read

Lime, a prominent shared electric scooter and bike company, underwent significant strategic changes in January 2020, leading to the discontinuation of its scooter rental service in several markets and a notable reduction in its workforce.

Strategic Adjustments in Early 2020

Seeking to streamline operations and achieve profitability, Lime implemented a major restructuring. These changes directly impacted the availability of Lime scooters in various regions:

  • Workforce Reduction: Approximately 100 employees, which constituted about 14 percent of the company's total workforce, were laid off.
  • Market Exits: Lime ceased its scooter rental operations in a dozen markets worldwide. This strategic withdrawal allowed the company to focus resources on more profitable or less complex operational environments.

Specific Cities Where Service Ended

Among the locations where Lime's scooter service was discontinued during this period were major U.S. cities such as:

  • Atlanta
  • Phoenix
  • San Diego
  • San Antonio

While Lime pulled out of these specific areas, it continued to operate and, in many cases, expand its services in numerous other cities globally, adapting its business model to local regulations and market demands.