How do Lime’s ebikes make money? Share market debut sheds light on finances

In 2025, a total of 19 million customers globally used Lime across the 230 cities the company operates in, with each vehicle bringing in US$7.47 a day. Photograph: Cristian M Balate/Shutterstock

In April, Lime brought its green ebikes and e-scooters to Canberra. Before it had even arrived, the US micro-mobility firm had spent nearly US$2m.

Lime’s experience in Australia’s sprawling capital is emblematic of a broader problem at the core of a business heavy on capital outlay and light on income.