Lime and Bird are two electric scooter sharing companies that operate in different cities around the world. These rental companies offer easy, eco-friendly, and convenient modes of transportation in the city for short distance travel. These scooters are relatively easy to use and can help reduce traffic jams in cities. They are also a great way to explore a city, as they offer a fun way to get around.
Now the question is, which one is better? Or which one to rent? Before digging into it, I would like to mention that if your city only has one scooter available, then you have no other choice, but if you have both, then let’s answer your question.
How do Bird and Lime scooter rentals work?
There is almost no difference in the unlocking procedure between the two scooters. First, download their apps and create an account by providing the necessary information. After creating an account, you can locate scooters near you on the app’s map interface. Once you’ve located a lime scooter, open the app and scan the QR code to unlock the scooter for $1, and then it’s 30 cents per minute. It is relatively cheaper than a Bird.
On the other hand, Bird is slightly more expensive than Lime, but the procedure is the same as Lime. Open the app, scan the QR code, and unlock the scooter for $1.15, with a subsequent charge of 30 cents per minute. Please note that these prices are specific to Calgary and may vary slightly in different cities. Therefore, check the current prices of these scooters in your area.
In my experience, Lime is slightly cheaper than Bird in Calgary (prices may differ in your region). So always check the price through the app according to your location. Lime costs less upfront than Bird, and it charges less per minute. If you are looking for a more cost effective option for short distance travel, Lime may be the preferable choice, but if you want to ride a long track across the city, be prepared to pay a little more. Remember to check the current pricing in your specific location, as rates may vary from city to city.
Features
Lime vs Bird: The Handlebars
In my experience with Bird scooters, I’ve noticed an issue with the handlebars. Despite being made of rubber, they tend to feel slippery when held. In contrast, Lime has traditional handlebars that provide more stable and secure grips. Although Lime is slightly heavier than the bird, it gives a smooth and stable ride. It is easy to start. Just push the throttle for 2 to 3 seconds and then go on your way.
Both scooters have lights on the front; they will automatically turn on once it darkens. However, an important drawback of the bird is that it does not have an LCD, so it will not show you how fast you are going or the battery percentage, but you can check these things on the app. At the same time, Lime has a prominent display which tells you the current speed and battery percentage.
While the bird is lighter, it will go less far, and I want to mention that the bird is jumpy at the start. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone with zero scooter riding experience. Still, If you are an experienced rider, it could be a new and fun ride experience.
Lime vs Bird: Brakes
Let’s discuss brakes; the Lime is heavier, and that’s why it is tough to pull the brakes. ultimately, it will slow down later than the Bird, but it gives you a smoother stop. On the other hand, the Bird has stiffer brakes and locks up wheels quickly. That’s why I don’t recommend Bird to a new rider, as it requires expertise to control and stop the scooter. Regarding the brakes, the Lime has better brake features than the Bird, providing a safer ride. I am not saying that Bird is unsafe, but it is quite challenging for beginners to apply brakes and control the scooter at the same time.
Both scooters come with bells on the handlebar and a kickstand. Once you’re done riding, simply pop up the stand and park the scooter in a designated place. With this convenience, you can lock your scooter quickly and easily, freeing you to go about your daily routine. It’s one of the best features of these scooters, which enhances the overall user experience by providing a hassle free and efficient way to conclude your ride.
Lime vs Bird: Wheels
Moving forward, let’s look at the bottom part of the scooters, the wheels. Lime features a long forked suspension that provides a smoother and more stable ride on bumpy terrain, along with large 10-inch pneumatic wheels. You can truly feel the smoothness of the wheels while riding. As you can see, the big wheel size enables the deck slightly higher off the ground than Bird.
Meanwhile, the Bird has smaller 7.4-inch pneumatic wheels and doesn’t have suspension, which results in a more jumpy ride on bumps. I experienced rides on bumpy surfaces, and it’s clear that Lime is the winner in delivering a smoother and more comfortable ride. In the wheel department, Lime takes the lead.
Lime vs Bird: Deck
Now, let’s dive into these electric scooter’s decks. The sturdy platform that connects you to the road. Lime features a slightly smaller deck in length than the Bird. However, it still provides enough space to adjust your feet on the deck comfortably, you need to tweak your standing position a bit when riding Lime. Conversely, the Bird boasts a larger deck, providing you with generous space to stand. Considering the deck, I lean towards Bird due to its design and give a point to Bird.
Lime vs Bird: Speed
The speed of Lime and Bird scooters depends on the scooter model and local regulations. On average, Lime scooters have a top speed of 15 mph, which may vary according to local laws to ensure rider safety. Bird scooters provide a similar experience, offering a top speed of 15 mph, also subject to local regulations like Lime. However, specific models may have the capability to reach higher speeds.
For instance, the Bird One has a top speed of 18 mph, with adjustments based on city regulations. Similarly, the Gen 3 Lime scooter may reach higher speeds than the standard model. The scooter speeds are influenced by factors like rider weight, battery percentage, terrain, and the legal regulations of the city.
How do Bird and Lime scooters get charged?
People are known as the chargers for Lime and Bird electric scooters. The bird indicates them as “Bird Hunters” and lime as “Lime Juicers”. They sign up to become part of the scooter charging network. Chargers use smartphone apps provided by Bird and Lime to locate scooters in need of charging.
They pick up the scooters, take them home, and charge them using a standard electrical outlet. Once the scooter gets charged, chargers return the scooters to designated drop-off locations indicated by the app. These places are typically in areas with high demand for scooters.
Chargers are paid for each successfully charged scooter, and the amount varies depending on factors like scooter location, battery level, and where it needs to be picked up. This charging model helps keep the scooters operational and involves the community in maintaining the scooter sharing service. Lime promotes the opportunity for individuals to earn up to $150 per night by participating in their scooter charging program.
Conclusion
Clearly, Lime stands taller than Bird in every aspect. If you have both options available in the city, I recommend Lime, as it is cheaper and best for short travel distances across the city. Lime is much safer than the Bird as it features secure handlebars with sturdy and robust construction and its brakes work better than Bird’s. Lime comes with an LCD, which displays speed and battery percentage.
Although Lime is a bit heavier than the Bird, it provides a smoother and more comfortable ride. The big wheels and versatile forked suspension give you a smoother ride experience over bumpy terrains. As I mentioned above, if you don’t have experience riding electric scooters, I wouldn’t recommend riding Bird at the start because Bird can be too jumpy due to its smaller wheels and lack of suspension.
Can I buy a Used Lime Scooter?
You can find used Lime scooters for sale when the company periodically sells off its older models during fleet upgrades.
How do Bird and Lime prevent stolen scooters from operating?
Bird and Lime use GPS trackers to deactivate scooters when someone takes them outside assigned service areas and prevents unauthorized use.
Can Lime scooters go uphill?
Lime scooters are generally designed to handle slight inclines or hills, but their performance on steeper slopes may be limited. The ability of a Lime scooter to go uphill depends on various factors such as the rider’s weight, scooter model, and the steepness of the hill.
