500 Lime scooters have been deployed on the streets of Seattle

Don’t be alarmed if you see a bunch of people whipping by on electric scooters, it’s just the new fleet from Lime.

After receiving the green light to run their scooters on Tuesday, Lime worked quickly to ensure that they had completed all the necessary permit requirements in just two days.

Thanks to the company’s quick moving, those interested in scooting around the city can easily download the Lime app and get going.

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The scooters cost $1 to unlock and charge an additional 36 cents per minute used.

Lime also has a low-income program, Lime Access, which gives qualified users five free rides per day, up to 30 minutes each. “After the fifth trip per day or after the first 30 minutes, Lime Access is priced at 50¢ to unlock and 7¢ a minute.” Those enrolled in SNAP, Medicare, or ORCA Lift are eligible.

Your cleaner, greener, car-free options are here. #Seattle
✅🛴🚲 pic.twitter.com/YNJzdxie4Q

— Lime (@limebike) September 16, 2020

The City is hoping that this additional mode of transport will be another way for people to get around safely and sustainably, in addition to the trains, bikes, and buses already available.

SDOT worked with medical experts at the University of Washington and Public Health – Seattle and King County to build the scooter-share pilot around pedestrian and rider safety. They’ve required the scooter companies to build safer scooters that have a built-in speed limit cap of 8 mph on a first ride and 15 mph after that, as well as ensure that people have access to helmets. Several scooters will include seats, for those with mobility impairments.

The scooter-share programs are required to provide reduced-rate plans for those in low-income communities and be available to those without a cell phone, bank account, or credit card.