Lime e-bikes are coming to Geelong – and you can try one for free!
There is now another way for you to get to and from campus – Deakin has partnered with Lime to bring shared electric bikes (e-bikes) to our campuses in Geelong!
Why should I try an e-bike?
With plenty of students and staff members living within cycling distance of the Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses, travelling to Deakin on an e-bike has a number of key benefits.
- Riding an e-bike to campus can make your commute quicker.
- An active commute can improve your mood and fitness levels.
- Did you know 25% of Victoria’s carbon emissions come from transport? Ditching car travel where possible will help us drive down the emissions we contribute.
- Got some hills on your journey? No worries! The e-bikes are equipped with an electric motor which adds to your pedal power when the bike detects that assistance is required.
- You’ll also be doing a good deed: to service and repair the e-bikes, Lime partners with Good Cycles – a social enterprise which gives young people access to training, support and paid work.
Deakin is also well-equipped with bike infrastructure for when you arrive or are getting ready to leave, including lockers, change-rooms and showers, so you can enjoy your active commute with added convenience. Check out the locations of these amenities at your campus.
Keen to take a spin? Here’s how you can trial an e-bike
Like the scheme already running in several Melbourne councils, the e-bikes will be available for anyone in Geelong to rent via the Lime app. All Deakin students and staff will get their first four rides free, so you can try the bikes out with no obligations. And to make life even easier, they all have helmets attached!
It’s so easy to rent an e-bike – just follow these simple steps.
- Download the Lime app on your smartphone and register for an account.
- Use the unique code LIMELOVESDEAKIN to gain credit for four free rides, worth up to $10 each, until 31 October 2022*.
- Check the map to see where your closest e-bike is located.
- Scan the QR code to unlock your bike and helmet.
- Ride to or from campus, or anywhere else around Geelong. There’s also a phone holder on the handlebars so you can have a map handy.
- After you finish your ride, park the bike safely – ideally at one of the designated parking locations or at a bike hoop. You can use the app to ‘pause’ your ride for 15 minutes if you need to make a quick stop.
* Each free ride lasts for 20 minutes, and after that your credit card will be charged 45 cents per minute. Offer only available to Deakin students and staff.
After you’ve redeemed your four free rides, Deakin students and staff are also eligible to get a 50% discount on rides, up to $5, by using the code DEAKINUNIOCTOBER (for example, a $5 ride will cost $2.50, a $10 ride will cost $5, a $15 ride will cost $10, etc.).
Remember to stay safe
Always be mindful of your safety when riding a bike – see these tips below before you take your first ride.
- Always wear your helmet! Lime provides helmets that you can unlock at the same time as unlocking the bike.
- Pay attention to the flow of traffic. You should always maintain awareness of your surroundings when riding an e-bike, even more than you would when riding a normal bike. Drivers may not expect a cyclist to reach the speeds possible with an e-bike.
- Start slowly. Get comfortable with the bike before hitting top speed. It might take a bit of adjustment. There are some locations in Geelong where the e-bike’s speed will be automatically limited for safety.
- Pay attention to your speed. If you’re using the motor, allow more time to slow down and brake. Just like in a car, the faster you’re travelling, the longer it will take to stop.
- Take extra care mounting and dismounting. The e-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so be careful when you’re getting on and off – this is where most accidents tend to happen.
Now, on your bike!
We hope to see you in the bike lane soon! If you have more questions, check out the Get to Deakin FAQ webpage or visit Lime’s website.
Have you tried out an e-bike? We’d love to hear about it! Send a photo and tell us about your experience by tagging @DeakinStudentLife on Facebook and @deakinlife on Instagram.