Users and advocates urge Denver to keep Lime Access scooters amid vendor questions

Public commenters at the Denver City Council’s March 9 general public comment session urged the council to retain the Lime Access program, which speakers said provides vital last-mile transportation for people who are elderly, disabled, low-income or unhoused.

Keith Moore, introduced by the moderator, described losing his car after layoffs and illness and said he is now homeless. "The Lime access program has been something for me that I can't even explain the importance of it ... it has been a lifesaver," Moore said, describing frequent trips to medical specialists that RTD and bus routes do not serve.

James Felker, a volunteer with Veterans Anonymous, said the program helped veterans in his outreach work navigate medical appointments and avoid costly rideshares. Felker urged the council to "stay with Lime," warning that a smaller company bidding on the contract "may not be able to scale" to Denver's market; he said there are "approximately 10,000 Lime vehicles here in Denver" and noted a competitor's largest market had about 4,000 vehicles.

Rebecca White, speaking as a Denver resident who also works in public health, said she relies on Lime Access to reach her job across county lines and that the service helps many of her clients who are homeless get to grocery stores and medical appointments. "I strongly encourage the city to continue supporting and protecting the Lime Access program," White said.

Speakers who supported the program acknowledged past concerns about scooters being left in public spaces but said those problems have improved and that Lime has been responsive to complaints. Commenters urged the city to weigh continuity and institutional knowledge when evaluating bids.

The public comment period closed without a council response; the session rules stated council members will not offer comments from the dais but may follow up with speakers or staff afterward.