E-scooter company Lime announced the launch of a new initiative on Friday to improve shared e-scooter parking in Queens.
Lime is one of three companies participating in the DOT’s shared e-scooter program, which covers parts of north and southeastern Queens. The new program, dubbed “Lime Parking Wardens,” will offer incentives for riders who park their e-scooters properly. The company believes it will improve rider behavior with the potential rewards of free rides and prizes.
Lime shared details of the program to its riders through in-app and email messages.
Additionally, Lime staff began hosting in-person demonstrations of the parking wardens program on Thursday, Oct. 24. Staff will be available Friday, Oct. 25, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at 146th and 95th Streets. Archer, Sutphin and Jamaica Avenues and Parsons Boulevard to give away helmets, parking warden awards and safety information.
Nicole Yearwood, Senior Manager of Government Relations for Lime, said in a statement that the company has introduced the Parking Wardens program after hearing “loud and clear” from riders and community members about the program. “Lime has used this program in London, Melbourne and in Canada to remind riders of how to ride safely and park properly while incentivizing proper parking. We look forward to handing out these awards and to continued results from our efforts to promote safe riding, proper parking and keeping the Queens streets we know and love clutter-free,” Yearwood said.
This new program follows Lime’s plans to invest $1.5 million into its Queens program this year and $2.5 million annually beginning in 2025 to address community feedback about e-scooter parking and safety.
In September, representatives from the company told QNS that it is revamping its locally hired Foot Patrol team, now deploying squads based on real-time data and community feedback to address misplaced and misparked e-scooters in service areas. Lime is also investing in its Queens operations by upgrading hardware and technology and expanding its workforce with locally hired staff.
