SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. (KMOX) — Lime says a "technical bug" may be causing some people to wipe out on their scooters.
In a statement, the company says that "sudden excessive braking" can happen during rare occasions. Testing shows this can happen when scooters are racing downhill at top speed and "hitting a pothole or other obstacle." The company continues by saying that "excessive brake force" happens and causes sudden stops.
A frimware update for the scooters is in the process of being rolled out to all markets.
Here's a list of precautions Lime says you should take before riding their scooters:
- Before starting your Lime trip, walk around the scooter and do a visual inspection of the hardware. Is the vehicle body in good condition? If not, don’t use that vehicle; report it to our customer service team and then select another vehicle.
- Once you start your Lime trip, give the brake a tight squeeze. If the brake does not engage properly and immediately stop the vehicle, dismount, end the trip and notify Lime customer service.
- Use extra caution in the next few days while we issue the final firmware update -- especially when riding downhill. Always stay in full control of your scooter and don’t go full speed while riding downhill.
- Comply with any scooter audible or visual warnings to slow or adjust your speed.
- Ride defensively: wear a helmet and reflective or bright clothing, give the right of way to cars, trucks and pedestrians, don’t ever ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and always ride in bike lanes when available.
- Ride smart: follow the rules of the road, keep both hands on the handle bars, don’t use your mobile device while riding and avoid wearing headphones.
Despite Lime claiming the issue affects "0.0045%" of all rides, reports of more and more injuries from Lime scooters have come out this year, from here in St. Louis all the way to New Zealand.
