Lime, the world's largest shared micromobility company, announces the official launch of the new shared electric bicycle system in Rethymno, following the successful completion of the public tender process conducted by the Municipality of Rethymno.
According to the relevant press release, the development of the system, with the initial provision of 185 electric bicycles of the new generation (Gen4 e-bikes), marks a significant investment in sustainable urban mobility and constitutes another substantial step toward creating a modern, functional, and more environmentally friendly way of transportation.
The new service offers residents and visitors a reliable, safe, and easy-to-use option for daily commuting, leisure rides, and short-distance travel.
Lime's cooperation with the Municipality of Rethymno is part of the broader planning of the Municipal Authority for the promotion of sustainable urban mobility and the upgrading of quality of life in the city, strengthening the use of mild forms of transportation and contributing to the creation of a more accessible, functional, and human urban environment.
Lime was selected through the public tender process thanks to its international experience in operating shared micromobility systems, its high safety standards, advanced fleet and parking management technologies, as well as its ability to work closely with local authorities to develop services that respond to the particular needs of each city.
Within the framework of the cooperation, Lime will deploy in Rethymno the modern Gen4 electric bicycles, designed specifically for daily urban use, offering a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use transportation option for residents and visitors.
Particular emphasis is placed on the safe use and responsible parking of the bicycles. Lime applies an integrated operating model that combines user information, daily operational management, and advanced technological tools, while in cooperation with the Municipality of Rethymno, special parking zones and operating rules can be defined, so that the service remains fully aligned with the needs of the city and respect for public space.
The Director of Operational Functions of Lime Greece, Panagiotis Mitropoulos – Kourouvanis, stated that: “Lime's selection as the contractor of the Municipality of Rethymno's tender for the development of the shared electric bicycle system is a particular honor for our company and confirms the growing trust that Greek municipalities are showing in modern and demonstrably effective sustainable mobility solutions.
The Municipality of Rethymno proves in practice that it has a vision for the future of urban transportation, investing in policies that combine innovation, environmental responsibility, and respect for the citizen.
Greece is a strategic priority for Lime and we continue to invest in creating strong partnerships with municipalities that choose modern and sustainable transportation solutions. We believe that Rethymno can become a reference point for the development of micromobility in the country and we look forward to a long-term and substantial cooperation with the Municipal Authority and the local community, contributing to the creation of a safer, more sustainable, and more accessible urban environment”.
The mayor of Rethymno Giorgis Ch. Marinakis stressed that: “The strategic planning of the Municipality of Rethymno remains committed to implementing practices and solutions that facilitate citizens' daily lives, satisfy their needs for safe and unobstructed movement in the city, and strengthen 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 with priority given to user safety, we seek to offer residents and visitors a modern, functional, practical, and environmentally responsible transportation option.
Rethymno can and must be at the forefront of cities that adopt innovative practices for a more sustainable future”.
The Deputy Mayor for Technical Works and Traffic Issues Angelos Malas stated that: “The operation of an organized shared electric bicycle system is part of the overall planning of the Municipality of Rethymno for the promotion of alternative and mild forms of transportation. Our goal is to reduce dependence on the car for short daily routes, facilitate access to key points of the city, and strengthen micromobility in a safe and organized way.
Cooperation with a company that has the know-how and certified experience in this field creates the conditions for a reliable, modern service adapted to the needs of Rethymno, with particular care for the smooth functioning of the city and the protection of public space”.
Reporting vehicles with improper parking
Within the framework of ongoing cooperation with local authorities and its commitment to protecting public space, Lime provides citizens with the ability to report electric bicycles that have been parked improperly through the following channels: