Lime scooters leaving Providence, two new scooter companies are coming in

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – In less than a month, Providence has lost three forms of public transit. 

At the end of August, JUMP bikes were suspended from the streets after they were connected to vandalism and other crimes.

Last week, Bird scooters stopped operating in the city.

Now, Lime scooters are leaving too. 

The Lime company announced the Scooters will be off the streets by Friday night. 

“They’re a really fun and efficient way to get around, so I’m really upset,” said Lime scooter user Anagha Nayak.

Lime scooters were launched in the city last year with a fleet of 150.

A spokesperson with Lime said the company wanted to expand its program and bring in 400 scooters, but the city rejected that request and only granted Lime permits for 250 scooters.

Following the city’s rejection, Lime announced it would be pulling out of Providence. 

“It’s kind of really sad that they’re getting taken away,” said Lime scooter user Anya Nayak. “I’m going to have to walk everywhere which is terrible.”

Users will have to wait a month until two new scooter companies launch in Providence.

The city awarded permits to VeoRide and Spin. Each company has been approved for 175 scooters.

A spokesperson from VeoRide said they’ve been asked to bring in even more scooters since Lime announced it’s leaving. 

The new companies are contractually obligated to have scooters on the ground by October 15th.

A spokesperson from Lime said the company may come back to Providence in the future.

© WLNE-TV 2019