Lime, the world’s largest shared micromobility company, announces the official launch of its new shared electric bike system in Rethymno, following the successful completion of the public bidding process conducted by the Municipality of Rethymno.
According to the relevant press release, the rollout of the system—with an initial deployment of 185 new-generation electric bikes (Gen4 e-bikes), marks a significant investment in sustainable urban mobility and represents another substantial step toward creating a modern, functional, and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
The new service offers residents and visitors a reliable, safe, and easy-to-use option for daily commutes, recreational trips, and short-distance travel.
Lime’s partnership with the Municipality of Rethymno is part of the municipal government’s broader plan to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the quality of life in the city, by encouraging the use of non-motorized modes of transportation and helping to create a more accessible, functional, and people-friendly urban environment.
Lime was selected through a public competitive bidding process thanks to its international experience in operating shared micromobility systems, its high safety standards, advanced fleet and parking management technologies, and its ability to work closely with local authorities to develop services that meet the specific needs of each city.
As part of this partnership, Lime will deploy its state-of-the-art Gen4 electric bikes in Rethymno—designed specifically for everyday urban use—offering a safe, reliable, and user-friendly transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
Particular emphasis is placed on the safe use and responsible parking of the bikes. Lime implements a comprehensive operating model that combines user education, day-to-day operational management, and advanced technological tools, and, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rethymno, specific parking zones and operating rules can be established so that the service remains fully aligned with the city’s needs and respects public space.
Panagiotis Mitropoulos-Kourouvanis, Director of Operations at Lime Greece, stated: “Lime’s selection as the winning bidder in the Rethymno Municipality’s tender for the development of a shared electric bicycle system is a great honor for our company and confirms the growing trust that Greek municipalities are placing in modern and proveneffective sustainable mobility solutions.
The Municipality of Rethymno is demonstrating in practice that it has a vision for the future of urban mobility by investing in policies that combine innovation, environmental responsibility, and respect for citizens.
Greece is a strategic priority for Lime, and we continue to invest in building strong partnerships with municipalities that choose modern and sustainable mobility solutions. We believe that Rethymno can serve as a model for the development of micromobility in the country, and we look forward to a long-term and meaningful partnership with the municipal government and the local community, helping to create a safer, more sustainable, and more accessible urban environment.”
Rethymno Mayor Giorgos H. Marinakis emphasized that: “The strategic planning of the Municipality of Rethymno remains committed to implementing practices and solutions that make citizens’ daily lives easier, meet their needs for safe and unimpeded movement throughout the city, and promote sustainable urban mobility. The development of a shared electric bicycle system is part of our initiatives to make our city more functional, more accessible, and more environmentally friendly.
With respect for public space and a priority on user safety, we aim to offer residents and visitors a modern, functional, practical, and environmentally responsible transportation option.
“Rethymno can and must be at the forefront of cities adopting innovative practices for a more sustainable future.”
Angelos Malas, Deputy Mayor for Public Works and Traffic Issues, stated that: “The operation of an organized shared electric bicycle system is part of the Municipality of Rethymno’s overall plan to promote alternative and low-impact modes of transportation. Our goal is to reduce dependence on cars for short daily trips, facilitate access to key locations in the city, and enhance micro-mobility in a safe and organized manner.
Partnering with a company that possesses the expertise and proven experience in this field creates the conditions for a reliable, modern, and tailored to the needs of Rethymno, with special attention to the smooth functioning of the city and the protection of public spaces.”
Reporting Improperly Parked Vehicles
As part of its ongoing collaboration with local authorities and its commitment to protecting public spaces, Lime allows citizens to report improperly parked e-bikes through the following channels: