Lime has clarified that safety is still its main concern as it celebrates its anniversary in New Zealand.
Mitchell Price, head of government relations Asia-Pacific at Lime, said safety was a big issue – especially due to a number of reported injuries since its launch and even a temporary ban in Auckland following a braking fault.
“Safety is remaining our first priority, and throughout the past 12 months we’ve worked with all stakeholders, NZTA, Minister of Transport, all the councils across New Zealand to create a safe riding environment ... and we continue and remain committed to do so,” Price told NZ Herald.
Earlier this year, Auckland Council temporarily pulled Lime e-scooters from the streets following 92 irregular braking incidents in the city that resulted In 19 injury claims.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) revealed that claims for e-scooter injuries totalled $4.3 million from October 2018 to July 2019 – with Auckland seeing the highest number of claims at 1,271 out of 2,000 claims nationwide. The top injuries were to the head, knee, hand and wrist, and arm while the main cause was found to be loss of balance.
Price, however, insisted that Lime e-scooters are safe and have miniscule risks. She added that “bigger, safer, and stronger” Lime generation 3.0 scooters will be available in New Zealand next year, and that they’re still working on getting riders to wear helmets to further avoid injuries.
“Lime recommends riders wear helmets and provides them for free to those participating in its ‘First Ride’ rider safety training events (available for new or first-time riders). Overseas we have partnered with helmet companies to offer discounted products to riders and are working on expanding these programmes to more cities around the world including NZ,” Price said.
