Christchurch available in the market for brand spanking new electrical scooter suppliers

Christel Yardley / stuff

Lime, Pictured, and Flamingo are licensed to operate in Christchurch but that is subject to change.

Christchurch is in the market for new electric scooter service providers.

Lime and Flamingo are approved to operate in the city, but with service permits expiring in August, the city council is seeking expressions of interest from companies keen to enter the market.

E-scooters were first brought to Christchurch in 2018 and immediately enjoyed great popularity.

Lime, Flamingo and Beam were tested, with Beam later being withdrawn when the council limited the number to 1,600 to balance demand with the need to keep sidewalks clean.

CONTINUE READING:
* Beam is slated to disappear from the streets of Christchurch as Lime and Flamingo circled the e-scooter market
* Christchurch’s newest electric scooter, Flamingo, is launched
* Flamingo electric scooters launch in Christchurch
* Two new players bring 600 additional electric scooters to Christchurch

Lime and Flamingo have permits for 800 e-scooters each. Lime has an operating permit for up to 200 e-bikes, which will also expire in August.

Although the use of e-scooters has decreased slightly since the international borders closed, they are still a very popular mode of transport in the city.

ALDEN WILLIAMS / STUFF

Reporters Lee Kenny and Michael Hayward shut down the two e-scooters that are vying for supremacy on the streets of Christchurch. (Video first published in June 2019)

E-bikes are also popular and offer an option for people who want to travel further.

The new permits are granted for 12 months and can be extended for a further two years. The companies that require approval are also allowed to operate up to 200 e-bikes each.

The council’s transport manager, Steffan Thomas, said safety was a strong focus of the assessment process.

“It is very important to us that providers of e-bikes and e-scooters act responsibly and do everything possible to encourage users to drive and park safely,” he said.

Christchurch e-scooters can be ridden on footpaths and shared paths, as well as on roads. E-bike users must comply with the usual traffic rules for cycling and, as with e-scooters, users must park off the main roads and on footpaths.

Companies have until July 16 to register their interest in a permit.