Rideshare Bikes and Scooters Are Now More Affordable In Certain Parts of Grand Rapids

We've all seen (or dodged) them. Those rentable electric scooters and bikes that are all over West Michigan may seem like an annoyance, but for some residents they are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get from point A to point B.

And to help citizens of lower income areas of Grand Rapids,  Lime, the e-scooter and e-bike sharing company, is now offering what they are calling "equity zone pricing" for riders in areas such as Garfield Park, John Ball Park, Roosevelt Park, and more.

What will the new price difference be?:

The new equity pricing includes an automatic 30% discount for trips west and south of downtown Grand Rapids. Equity zone pricing will be available for riders living or working within the neighborhoods mentioned, and it will not require any documentation or proof of need in order to get that rate.

This rate isn't entirely new- Lime previously introduced their Lime Access program here in Grand Rapids. Previously, it provided discounted rates to anyone who receives city, state or federal benefits. The new equity zone pricing will supplement the Lime Access program.

Why are they offering these rates to other areas of town and not downtown?

The initiative aims to help areas traditionally underserved by existing modes of public transportation while also promoting cleaner air and safer streets. So, by making it less expensive for people in these areas to ride the bikes and scooters. They'll not only help people get around easier, but also allow the bikes to be more likely to end up in those areas for people to be able to use, since they're all generally nested "downtown".

So, if you notice your rate change based on where you're riding- it's not a glitch. It's just an awesome way Lime is helping people get around on their own.