Lime Returns to Mexico City With 60-Day E-Scooter Pilot

San Francisco-based micromobility provider Lime has launched a 60-day electric scooter pilot program in Mexico City in coordination with the city’s Secretariat of Mobility (SEMOVI). The initiative marks the company's official return to the capital after its 2019 exit, which was driven by regulatory challenges, sidewalk congestion, and disputes over the commercial use of public space. The pilot program, which began on Wednesday, June 10, authorizes Lime to operate a fleet of up to 1,000 electric scooters across key areas of the city.

The launch coincides with Mexico City’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the company, the pilot’s operating framework is designed to address the issues that affected its previous operations, particularly unregulated parking and public-space obstruction. Initial deployment began with several hundred scooters, with plans to expand the fleet to the 1,000-unit limit across designated commercial districts, tourist destinations and stadium areas. 

To improve fleet management and prevent scooters from obstructing pedestrian pathways, Lime will deploy on-the-ground personnel to oversee high-traffic locations. The operational model includes designated parking zones and a valet parking system coordinated directly with SEMOVI. The company is also integrating its fleet into Uber’s digital platform through an existing global partnership, allowing users to locate and rent Lime scooters directly through the Uber app.

“We are very excited to officially return to Mexico City as participants in this 60-day pilot program regulated by SEMOVI,” said Johann Schmidt, Lime’s regional director of Government Relations. “We want to demonstrate how our model can promote sustainable transportation and facilitate mobility for residents and visitors while complementing the city’s existing transportation options.”

Schmidt added that the arrival of international visitors for the World Cup helped accelerate the regulatory trial. “The eyes of the world are on Mexico City ahead of the most important sporting event on the planet, and we are grateful to the city for its vision and leadership in launching a pilot program that supports this historic event,” he said. “We want to contribute to the growth of sustainable micromobility by providing people with even more transportation options.”

Mexico City has historically maintained a strict regulatory framework for dockless mobility operators. In 2019, then-Head of Government Claudia Sheinbaum required dockless bicycle and e-scooter companies to pay compensation for the use of public infrastructure, arguing that the measure would prevent unfair competition with the government-backed Ecobici bike-sharing system. Complaints from neighborhood residents over sidewalk obstructions further intensified regulatory enforcement, ultimately leading operators such as Lime to withdraw from the market.

To address traffic congestion and safety concerns during the pilot, Lime announced a series of public safety initiatives, with the first event scheduled for the week of June 15. The company plans to distribute complimentary helmets and provide educational sessions on safe riding practices and proper parking.

Lime has also introduced a promotional fare plan called the “Fan Pass” to accommodate higher mobility demand during the tournament. Priced at MX$99.99 (US$5.81), the pass offers users up to 90 minutes of ride time over a five-day period, waives the standard unlocking fee and provides fixed per-minute pricing.