Changes Roll in With Return of E-Bikes & Lime Scooters in Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A heavily-used form of seasonal transportation has returned to Rochester. 

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A news release issued by the City of Rochester on Tuesday says Lime Scooters and Electronic Bikes are available for rental as of Wednesday. 

Along with announcing the return of the rentals, city officials also pointed out changes riders will experience this year. 

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How Many People Use Lime Scooters and Bikes in Rochester, MN?

City officials say users took 133,455 trips on the bikes and scooters last year, a 24% increase compared to 2023. 122,308 of the rides were on scooters while 11,147 people took rides on E-bikes. 

65% of riders last year were Rochester residents and visitors/tourists accounted for the remaining 35% of rides, city officials say. The rides replaced an estimated 72,000 car trips last year, the news release says. 

By the end of the month, there will be parking corrals stationed throughout downtown Rochester to help users better park the scooters and bikes. Officials plan to add more corals throughout the Spring. 

What Are the Rules for E-Bikes and Lime Scooters in Rochester, MN?

E-Scooter riders are prohibited from using sidewalks and the city’s skyway system. The scooters are only permitted on streets, bike lanes and multi-use trails. 

Riders are asked to leave the scooters and bikes upright with the kickstand out upon completion of their ride. 

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The bikes and scooters must be left in the new parking corrals or on the boulevard between the sidewalk and street if the parking corral is not available, the news release says. 

The City will also have its progressive discipline policy in place for users who violate the rules. 

Violators will be warned for first and second violations. A fine will kick in on the third violation and five violations will result in a ban on Lime use for the rest of the season. 

Last year, 6,166 warnings and 97 fines were issued to violators, city officials say. 

Anyone who encounters an abandoned scooter or bike can report it by scanning the QR code on the device with their smartphone.