The risk of fire forced the recall of Lime electric scooters

Lime has recalled more than 2000 electric scooters. Doubtful: the risk of overheating, which can lead to melting of batteries or even fire, and which forces the operator to adopt new rules.

Although this concerns only a small fraction of the electric scooters in service and incidents are not to be regretted at this time, the company takes the issue very seriously. Challenge: Avoid "bad noise" even if its self-service systems are regularly allocated. 

« In August last year, we became aware of a potential problem with some batteries. In some isolated cases, a manufacturing defect may cause the battery to burn slowly or, in some cases, fire. » Indicates a company press release announcing the installation of software designed to identify potentially affected batteries. ” When a faulty battery (with a red code) is detected, we quickly deactivate the scooter so that no one can ride it or charge it. »Defines the operator.

The recall campaign, which will affect more than 2000 electric scooters, will only affect the first generation vehicles deployed in Los Angeles, San Diego and Lake Tahoe. In other words, electric scooters deployed for several months in Paris would theoretically not suffer from this problem. 

The end of the juicer

Identified because of their working conditions, “juicers” – those independent workers who charge a fee to recharge electric scooters – will be forced to disappear. In California, they will be replaced by staff hired directly by Lime, who will rebuild, store and recharge the scooters in dedicated warehouses. Employees who receive special training on what to do in the event of a battery problem.

At the same time, Lime points to the creation of a new device. Performed on a daily basis, this will provide a better understanding of machine battery malfunctions.