Lime launch a seated e-scooter into the US following positive trials

E-scooter rental company Lime are targeting a new demographic with a sit-down e-scooter that attracted 33% more first-time female riders than their stand-up equivalent during trials.

The Gen4 Seated aims to offer the ride comfort of a bike with the effortlessness of an e-scooter, giving a ‘smooth, convenient, and environmentally-friendly ride.’

The e-scooter was trialed earlier this year in Nashville and Chicago and Lime found that it particularly appealed to older riders, women riders, and riders with limited mobility – more so than their traditional e-bike and e-scooter offerings. For example, it attracted 33% more first-time female riders than the company’s Gen4 e-scooters.

Josh Meltzer, Head of Government Affairs said: ‘Through our initial launches, we’ve seen how the Gen4 Seated introduces new riders who may have previously been skeptical about e-scooters or e-bikes. It reinforces the idea that while the need for affordable and sustainable transportation is universal, sometimes riders just want options that accommodate different needs and preferences. Transitioning more people from cars onto shared electric vehicles ultimately helps cities become healthier, safer, and more livable, and we’re glad the Gen4 Seated will contribute to that goal.’

As weel as the padded seat, there is a dedicated storage space underneath, allowing riders to carry groceries or other items. Previous vehicle pilots and Lime’s own internal research had found that storage space was a key factor in riders choosing whether or not to use micromobility as a transportation option. Storage space made people more likely to ride longer distances and ride more frequently, as seen by an increase in use-per-day when compared with the traditional Gen4 e-scooter.

Like other vehicles in the Lime family, the Gen4 Seated is powered by swappable batteries and includes a modular design to quickly replace parts when needed, helping prolong its lifespan and ensuring more vehicles are available to ride for a more reliable service.

Joe Kraus, President at Lime said: ‘We’re excited to roll out the Gen4 Seated scooter globally to welcome more riders onto the Lime platform. The new design allows for added comfort and, when paired with our new storage compartment, will provide for more use cases, encouraging more people to consider Lime to fit their needs. The Gen4 Seated aims to empower our riders to navigate their day-to-day with ease, welcoming a wider audience to micromobility via a more approachable and comfortable ride.’

The Gen4 Seated is currently being rolled out across the US. We’re waiting for a reply to our enquiry about a possible introduction to the UK market.