Mr. Hal Stevenson:

I thank the Chair and the committee for the invitation to discuss this legislation. Lime is the world’s largest and most experienced micromobility provider. Founded in 2017, our mission is to build transport systems that are shared, safe and sustainable. We operate e-bike and e-scooter sharing schemes in more than 200 cities across 30 countries globally and we are contracted to run services in many of Europe’s major capitals, including Paris, Rome and London. To date, we have safely delivered more than 250 million sustainable rides across our global operations. This amending legislation will see for-hire and private e-scooters legalised in Ireland. It is vital we use data and shared experience from countries with existing regulations to get this right, for riders and non-riders, and to deliver on the safety and sustainability aims that underpin this legislation.

We can use this data and experience because Ireland is well positioned as one of the last European countries to regulate e-scooters. This presents an exciting opportunity to learn from existing regulatory regimes and to help deliver this innovative new transport technology in a controlled way that works for everyone. Following the Government’s approval of this draft legislation, we have made a significant investment in our Irish operations that will be delivered over the next 18 months. This is aimed at helping us to develop our business and to serve communities across Ireland, including in Dublin, where our European headquarters are already located. Effective e-scooter regulation puts cities and people first. We are focused on using our global experience to launch and run well-managed services that work for cities by delivering a long-term impact via a focus on safe riding, responsible parking, environmental benefits, equitable access and data sharing.

I again thank the committee members for their time. I look forward to discussing their views on this amending legislation in more detail and to working together to ensure that we can use this Bill to help create green, shared and affordable transport systems across Ireland.