LimeBikes debut on ECU's campus

Limebikes strewn on a city post.

LimeBike, a bicycle-sharing company, brought 100 bikes to the campus of East Carolina University last Monday, giving students and faculty the ability to exercise while reducing the university’s carbon footprint.

Based in San Mateo, California, LimeBike operates dockless bicycle systems in nine states and more than 30 cities worldwide and nationwide, according to the company’s website. Founded by Toby Sun and Brad Bao in January of 2017, LimeBike’s service typically starts with $1 deposit for a 30-minute traditional bike ride, with users reserving their rides on the company’s mobile app.

Students on ECU’s campus, such as senior business major Jessica Harnatkiewicz, have enjoyed testing out the bikes so far. Harnatkiewicz said the bikes are “simple and worth the dollar.”

“I think it is easy. Just download the app and your first ride (is) free,” Harnatkiewicz said. “You either scan the code or enter the code in your phone, and then it unlocks for you and you are free to ride.”

To use LimeBike, iPhone or Android users can download the company’s app to rent a bicycle. For users with a valid ECU email address, the cost is 50 cents per hour. Otherwise, the cost is $1 per hour. There is no designated location for LimeBikes—to locate a bike, the app will show users its GPS location. On its website, LimeBike has suggested sites for leaving a bike once users are done with their ride: near bike racks, on sidewalks or in furniture zones.

LimeBikes are used on 17 college campuses nationwide, with the bike-share company launching its first location at University of North Carolina in Greensboro with 125 bicycles, according to ECU graduate student and LimeBike Operations Manager for Greenville Dan Hemme.

“LimeBike is a fun, affordable and sustainable way for college students to get around ECU,” Hemme said. “All of our bikes and scooters are GPS and 3G enabled, making it simple for students to find, unlock and pick up a nearby bike.”

Hemme’s favorite aspect of the bike is how environmentally friendly it is, not just in the way it’s made but how it works.

“Biking is already an eco-friendly transportation solution, but when the smart technology is solar powered and the lights are powered by the bike’s own motion. LimeBike takes smart mobility to another level,” Hemme said.

The bikes have become increasingly popular on college campuses, including North Carolina State University and UNC Greensboro, according to ECU News Services, and students can receive $1 off their first two rides using the promotional code, “LIMEATECU.”

Taylor Meyer, a sophomore nursing major, used a LimeBike for the first time on Sunday. As part of her assignment for her Kinesiology 1000 course, Meyer wanted to invest in a low-cost, easy way to get some exercise.

“I had an extremely pleasant experience using the new LimeBike on campus. The app used for the bikes was super helpful and convenient,” Meyer said. “I already used my one free ride, but I don't mind spending a dollar to use the bike again.”

Students can download the LimeBike app from a smartphone on the app store, and follow easy steps to locate and activate a bike in the area.

For more information, visit the LimeBike website at www.limebike.com.