The City of Raleigh is launching a new dockless bikeshare pilot program in partnership with Spin and Lime, introducing up to 215 electric-assist bikes around downtown. The initiative begins August 18 and will continue through April 2026, aiming to provide a more flexible bikeshare model based on national best practices and community feedback.
According to city officials, the goal is to make it easier for residents and visitors to rent bikes without being restricted by docking stations while maintaining accessible sidewalks and streets. “The goal? Make it easier than ever to grab a bike, ride where you need, and park it without being tied to a docking station—all while keeping our sidewalks and streets safe and accessible.”
To use the service, riders must download either the Lime or Spin app, create an account, add payment information, and pass an in-app safety quiz. There are no other ways to rent a bike or create an account aside from using these apps.
Pricing varies between providers. For Lime, scooters cost $1 to unlock plus $0.41 per minute; e-bikes are $2 for the first 10 minutes and then $0.20 per minute. Lime is offering a launch promotion of 30 minutes free on the first e-bike ride during August. Spin’s launch offer includes e-bikes at $5 for 30 minutes for the first 30 days; scooter pricing matches Lime’s.
Parking options include micromobility corrals marked with a “P” sign along Glenwood South Avenue, planting strips between street and sidewalk, or on sidewalks as long as four feet of clearance is left for pedestrians. Parking on private property requires owner permission. Riders are instructed not to block sidewalks, ADA ramps, doors, pedestrian buttons, bike lanes, or greenways.
If no corral is nearby outside Glenwood South, riders may park anywhere compliant with existing rules but should avoid blocking walkways or entering restricted zones. Both scooters and e-bikes have GPS tracking; users must submit a photo after parking.
To address improper parking concerns, Raleigh uses its Ask Raleigh tool at https://ask.raleighnc.gov/ask for reporting issues related to bikes and scooters under Transportation & Mobility services. Operators receive immediate notifications about violations: first two offenses result in warnings; third and fourth incur $15 fines; repeated issues can lead to account suspension.
Free Learn-to-Ride events will be offered this summer and fall for new riders; updates will be posted via @RaleighTranspo on social media channels.
Helmets are highly recommended but not provided by operators. Only individuals aged 18 or older may use shared e-bikes or scooters. The bikes feature throttles allowing speeds up to 15 mph without pedaling.
Feedback collected during this pilot will inform the design of Raleigh’s permanent bikeshare system planned for launch in summer 2026.
