Birds and Limes: Who, What, When, Why and How?

If you’re a student at UC you’ve probably seen the electric scooters zooming around campus lately. These Bird and Lime scooters are becoming more and more popular in cities and campuses nationwide, but for those still a little unsure about them, here’s a guide to help you decide if the scooters are for you.

What are they?

Bird and Lime are ride-share electric scooter companies where users can activate and ride scooters and park them and leave them for the next rider… all from a convenient smartphone app. The scooters are lightweight, freestanding, and can travel up to 15 miles per hour.

How do you use them?

Riding is pretty easy. After you download the free app on your smartphone, follow the instructions and safety precautions before riding. To unlock the scooters, select the scooter you wish to use on the map and scan the code on your phone. Then you’re good to go! As you ride the company charges you, similar to how taxis work. According to CNN, the scooters cost about $0.15 to ride per minute. When you’ve arrived at your destination, reopen the app and lock the scooter to end your ride.

*PSA* Before you can ride your first Bird or Lime you have to scan your license and get it approved through the app. If it’s your first time without knowing this and you’re relying on the scooter for a ride it can be a real bummer.

Who can ride them?

Just about anyone can ride Birds and Limes. You just have to be 18 or older, have a valid drivers license and a smartphone to install the application on.

When can you ride them?

Birds shut off at dark, while Limes can be ridden at night due to the light installed on the front of them.

Why use Bird and/or Lime?

Many UC students swear by the scooters and say they make it easier and quicker to get to class. They’re also environmentally friendly. Riding Birds and Limes instead of driving your car also help reduce fuel emissions and resource consumption. Lime says they “aim to reduce dependence on personal automobiles for short distance transportation and leave future generations with a cleaner, healthier planet.” It’s also very inexpensive to use the scooters. Rides start as cheap as one dollar!