"Our first sample was one of Lime's new generation of bikes, launched in Sydney in November. Amy Webb, a mechanic with Laneway Cyclery, delivered the verdict: it's pretty much perfect. Webb carried out a basic inspection, starting with squeezing the brake handles to check they offered resistance. None of the bike's parts were loose, the tyres were firm and its helmet was safe in its basket."
"The second bike, one of the older generation of bikes launched in 2022, failed that last simple test: it had no helmet. Many of the 72 bikes we inspected had the same problem: 25 of the older models had no helmet; likewise, 12 of the new bikes were missing a helmet despite a redesigned, easier-to-use helmet lock. Anyone riding those bikes would break Australian law and put themselves at risk unless they wore their own helmet, Webb says."
"We found that other bikes had fallen to the ground or sustained damage from being knocked over, creating a hazard for pedestrians. One, dumped across a footpath, had a cracked basket, broken spokes and its back light dangling out. It's frustrating to see people just throw them on the ground, Webb says. People who are in wheelchairs, mobility scooters or with prams are going to have a hard time navigating around them."
A mechanic inspected 72 Lime e-bikes in Sydney in January, assessing brakes, loose parts, tyres and helmet presence. The new-generation model launched in November passed basic checks and showed firm tyres, functioning brakes and a secured helmet. Many older models lacked helmets; 25 of the older bikes and 12 of new bikes were missing helmets despite a redesigned, easier-to-use helmet lock. Damage observed included broken spokes, chains, helmet holders, cracked baskets and dangling back lights. Several e-bikes were dumped across footpaths, creating hazards for pedestrians and mobility device users. Riding without a helmet contravenes Australian law and increases rider risk.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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