The Yarra City Council voted to terminate its six-year Lime e-bike trial, effectively removing Lime from inner-M Melbourne streets and ending the memorandum of understanding with the company.

Supporters argued that e-bikes offer environmental and transport benefits, especially for residents under 35, and that improvements to cycle infrastructure could enhance these advantages.

Lime reports high usage in the area, with thousands of daily trips since early 2025 and roughly $2.5 million in company revenue from local operations, while the council did not gain revenue under the MOU.

Key local figures reflected a split on whether to maintain e-bike access with safeguards or halt the program entirely, including Deputy Mayor and other councillors.

Some council voices argued the program’s emissions impact was negligible, suggesting the average ride did not meaningfully reduce emissions.

Streets Alive Yarra proposed on-street bike corrals and criticized free on-street car parking, suggesting revenue from parking could fund bike infrastructure.

Officers recommended against renewing the contract due to ongoing operational, data security, and financial concerns.

Criticism of Lime followed, with leaders accusing the company of delivering a second-class product and failing to police users, thereby shifting costs to ratepayers.

Council cited problematic rider behavior, including littering and footpath use, as a major reason for shutting down the scheme.

Council data showed about 100 complaints since 2020, with roughly 201 e-bike trips per day and most users being local residents.

The council’s vote ended the Lime six-year trial and did not award a permanent contract, effectively banning Lime from the inner-Melbourne streets.

Deputy mayor warned against continuing with a multinational operator due to cost-shifting onto ratepayers and safety concerns from dumped bikes.