Lime convinces Brisbane council its e-scooters are safe after wheel-lock injuries

Lime has convinced Brisbane City Council its e-scooters are safe to use and has been granted an 11-day extension on its operating permit.

The company was put on notice two weeks ago after several reports of serious injuries due to an IT glitch in the wheel-locking mechanism.

Lime’s permit, originally valid until mid-year, was brought forward to expire today but deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed the company had since been given the extension.

He said the council was satisfied the issue had been rectified.

“Council is now satisfied that appropriate action has been taken to address that problem,” Mr Schrinner said.

“We have had no further complaints of wheels locking up since that action was taken.”

Next week, the council will vote on whether to extend Lime’s permit back to mid-year.

It will also vote on opening the competitive tender process to other operators.

Mr Schrinner said the council would like to see two companies running a total of 1000 scooters across the city.

At least 12 companies had expressed interest, he said.

“Next week in council there will be a vote about the matter,” he said.

He said police had been conducting “proactive patrols” at the request of council, to address helmets, speed and unsafe use of the scooters.

He said more than 200 fines had been issued, netting about $28,000.

“We appreciate the police involvement in this and we’d like to see that ongoing,” he said.