Lime launches UK subscription to make e-bike journeys cheaper than bus fares

E-bike operator Lime has launched a new UK subscription service aimed at frequent riders, offering flat-rate journeys that in some cases will cost less than local public transport fares.

The new membership programme, called Limeprime, will allow subscribers to take 20-minute rides for a fixed priceafter paying a monthly fee. The scheme will be available across London, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Manchester and Nottingham.

In London, the subscription will cost £6.99 per month, with rides priced at £1.70 for up to 20 minutes—slightly cheaper than the £1.75 bus fare charged by Transport for London (TfL).

Subscribers will also benefit from free bike unlocks and extended reservation times, removing additional charges typically applied when starting a journey.

Cheaper rides outside London

Prices will be even lower in some cities outside the capital. Lime said rides will cost:

• £1.60 in Milton Keynes

• £1.50 in Manchester

• £1 in Nottingham

The exact pricing will vary depending on the monthly subscription fee applied in each location.

Shift toward everyday commuting

The new pricing structure reflects Lime’s broader ambition to make shared e-bikes part of daily commuting routines, rather than an occasional transport option.

Chief executive Wayne Ting said the company wants to ensure its services remain affordable and accessible.

“We understand the importance of maintaining an affordable and easily accessible service,” he said. “This new pricing model will make it easier and more affordable for people to get around using active travel.”

Rapid growth in the UK

Lime has expanded rapidly across the UK in recent years. The company reported £111.3 million in UK revenue last year, representing a 75% increase year-on-year.

London remains its largest market, with an estimated 20,000 Lime bikes operating across the capital, compared with around 12,000 bikes in TfL’s Santander Cycles scheme.

However, the growth of shared e-bikes has also led to increased scrutiny from local authorities. Several London boroughs have introduced stricter parking regulations and fines for bikes left obstructing pavements.

Growing competition in micromobility

Lime’s subscription model also comes as rivals including Forest and Bolt experiment with discounted pricing and new membership schemes to attract regular riders.

The shift toward subscription services reflects a broader trend in the micromobility sector, as operators look to offer predictable pricing and compete with rising public transport fares.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed efforts to make cycling more affordable.

“This government wants to ensure active travel is affordable and accessible for everyone,” she said. “We will continue to work closely with the industry to make shared cycles a low-cost transport option across the country.”