Two Companies Chosen for New E-Scooter Licenses in Auckland
Auckland Council has picked two companies to get new rental micromobility licenses in Auckland. Out of seven applications, they chose the current provider, Lime, and New Zealand-owned Flamingo. These licenses will last for two years starting on 4 November 2024.
According to Mervyn Chetty, the Manager of Licensing and Environmental Health, the selected providers showed a strong commitment to safety and reducing disturbances.
Fewer operators, but the same allocation: Auckland’s current e-scooter allocation is 3000 in total—900 in the city centre, 900 in the city fringe, and 1200 in the suburbs. This allocation will stay the same from November 4, but it will now be shared between the two providers.
Mr. Chetty says, “With only two operators, riders can easily find a device from their favorite provider, and it also lets us monitor and collaborate with them better.”
Lime and Flamingo will each be allowed 900 devices in tiers 1 and 2. In tier 3, Lime will have 700 devices and Flamingo will have 500.
Rental Micromobility Code of Practice
During the current licensing period, the council has found ways to improve the Rental Micromobility Code of Practice to better manage operator compliance and influence user behavior.
Changes include:
- Quicker response times to fix improper parking, reduced from 90 to 75 minutes in the city center (tier 1) and city fringe (tier 2).
- Faster response times to fix fallen scooters, reduced from 90 to 75 minutes in tiers 1 and 2.
- Improved data provisions.
E-bikes
Starting 4 November, the council will stop issuing licenses for rental e-bikes. Previous licenses didn’t see many trips, leading operators to remove all rental e-bikes from the streets.
However, operators are working with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to create a plan to bring rental e-bikes back to Tāmaki Makaurau in the future.
Source of Information: Auckland Council