Kelowna temporarily extends contract with Lime until July

The City of Kelowna has temporarily extended its contract with Lime until the city’s “competitive selection process” wraps up next month.

Cameron Noonan, a transportation planner and the manager of the micro-mobility program, says the city is currently running a selection process opened, which closes on May 7.

Lime’s existing permit, which was due to expire on April 20, has been extended in the “interim” until July 7.

“This will give us time to run the comprehensive selection process,” Noonan told KelownaNow.

“It also gives the successful proponent time to set up local operations, with the goal of providing continuity for users.”

Noonan says that although he cannot comment on the number of applications, he says all companies that offer e-scooter and e-bike services in Canada have been made aware that Kelowna is looking for a new two-year operating term.

Lime launched its full fleet at the beginning of March, marking the company's third year of operation in Kelowna.

The launch came shortly after Kelowna City Council agreed on new contract terms for the city’s micro-mobility program, which includes moving to a single operator model which will start with a single two-year term with an option to extend at council’s discretion.

Under the new contract terms, the decision to extend or end a contract with the chosen operator will be based on the operator's performance.

New rules are also being implemented such as mandatory parking areas and overnight clean up of scooters and bikes.

According to the bidding opportunity, the city is looking for a qualified operator to manage the program.

“The program must ensure the delivery of these services in a manner that is safe, equitable, and contributes to reducing vehicular traffic, thereby supporting the City's transportation and climate objectives,” the bidding opportunity says.