Knowledge Base

Guidelines for safe and responsible e-scooter and e-bike use:

• Where to find & how to ride: Locate and reserve a Lime vehicle in-app or on the street. When you arrive at the vehicle, select the "Start Ride" button in the app or scan the QR code on the central crossbar of the vehicle to start your ride. For more information or troubleshooting when using a Lime scooter or e-bike, please visit Lime's webpage. Remember to end your ride via the app and park the vehicle appropriately to stop getting charged for the ride.
• Where to ride: E-scooters cannot be used on public sidewalks; they must be used in the roadway, in a bicycle lane or on a multi-use trail. They are also prohibited from use in the skyway system. To review specific laws regarding motorized foot scooters, please reference Minnesota Statute 169.225. In downtown Rochester, bikes must be ridden in the roadway or walked on sidewalks.
• Where to park: All e-scooters and e-bikes need to follow parking rules and restrictions on public right-of-way. They must be parked upright and stabilized with the kickstand. Lime e-scooters and e-bikes should be left in designated Parking Corrals where available. If one is not available, they should be parked in the boulevard area between the sidewalk and the curb. Abandoning these items in the middle of the sidewalk blocks pedestrians, including those using mobility devices, from accessing the sidewalk.
• Progressive discipline policy: Lime users who fail to comply with parking or riding rules will receive a warning for the first and second violations. Fines will be assessed for repeat violations. After five offenses, a user will be banned from Lime rental for the remainder of the season. In 2024, there were 6,166 warnings and 97 fines issued for violations related to the misuse or improper parking of Lime e-scooters and e-bikes.
• How to report abandoned scooters and e-bikes: All Lime scooters and e-bikes have an additional QR code located on the vehicle frame, which allows anyone with a smartphone to report an abandoned vehicle. Lime's goal is to ensure the collection of all reported scooters and e-bikes within 24-72 hours. Residents are encouraged to assist the City and Lime in reporting misplaced vehicles that appear abandoned for long periods of time.