LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lime's CEO is speaking out about problems that have come along with the company's growth, including safety and employee relations.
Since the company started two years ago, Lime has expanded to 120 markets worldwide. Its scooters came to Lexington in October, and they were quickly at the center of some awful incidents.
Tim Freeman was hit and killed while riding on Richmond Road in November. Police say he lost control and fell into oncoming traffic.
Another rider was hit by a car the first week Lime scooters arrived. He had non-life-threatening injuries.
In Lime’s other markets, there have been reports of strained relationships with cities and customers.
Lime's CEO Brad Bao says they are trying to move forward.
"We made a lot of mistakes and we learn from it,” said Bao. "At the time we made the best decision based on the information we have. But, more importantly is what we learn from it. So, we did make some mistakes and we learn from it. And that's one of the guiding principles in the company as well."
Bao says he has studied the Chinese bikeshare boom, which preceded Lime's launch. He says that showed him How there could be too many bikes or scooters on a street and how it impacts surrounding communities.
In January, Lime started an initiative to help make Kentucky streets safer. Riders can round up their trips to the nearest dollar. The extra money will go to Bike Walk Kentucky, which focuses on fighting for better infrastructure, like bike lanes, and educating people about safe transportation.
