Mandatory parking stations now required for Lime devices in Coquitlam

Coquitlam has expanded mandatory dockless parking stations across Lime’s entire local service area, requiring all shared e-bike and e-scooter trips to end at designated stations. The requirement had already operated in the City Centre. Stations are shown in the Lime app and marked on the ground or by signage.

The City said the change is intended to reduce sidewalk clutter and improve access for people walking and using mobility aids. It also gives Lime greater ability to identify parking violations and fine riders. Stations may be marked by a white painted or taped box with a parking icon on the street or in a pedestrian area, a black mat with a parking icon, or a Lime-branded lawn sign.

All shared devices use geofencing technology to regulate use in particular zones, help users locate and park at stations, and physically slow devices or limit access in specified areas. Under the new rule, Lime’s system will not permit a trip to end unless the vehicle is at a designated station. Riders who fail to park properly may face fines, while their per-minute charge will continue until the device times out after 15 minutes and the system ends the trip. Details and a service-area map are available at coquitlam.ca/SharedEPilot.

The Shared E-Micromobility Pilot, adopted in 2023, aligns with the Province’s electric kick scooter pilot project. It provides a lower-cost City Centre transportation option for first- and last-kilometre connections, as an alternative to short car trips and in support of more sustainable travel. Over the past year, the service area has expanded and become continuous with Lime’s Port Moody program, helping reduce devices being parked along borders, including Guildford Way and Barnet Highway west of Falcon Drive.

Rules for personal e-scooters and e-bikes also apply to shared devices: riders must be at least 16, wear helmets, ride alone, stay off sidewalks, yield to pedestrians on pathways, and obey traffic signals and signs. Coquitlam’s agreement with Lime runs through April 2027, with an option for one additional year. The City and Lime will continue responding to resident and user feedback, while Lime provides education on etiquette, parking compliance and safety through its app and community events.

Since the pilot began, the City reports more than 200,000 trips, an estimated 70,000 car trips replaced, 40 per cent of trips occurring at night when transit service is reduced, and one-third of residents without a driver’s licence. More information on the e-scooter pilot, safety and upcoming events is available at coquitlam.ca/escooter.