Scooters and Skateboards
Scooters and skateboards are a fun, flexible way to get around CU Boulder—and they're part of our push for a greener campus. Whether you're heading to class or just cruising, make sure you're riding safe, parking smart, and keeping paths clear for everyone. Check out tips, rules, and resources to help you roll responsibly. You’ll find info on where to park, what to avoid, and how to keep your ride in good shape. Let’s keep campus safe, smooth, and rolling!
Shared and Rentable E-scooters (Lime Scooters)
Lime is Boulder's lone e-scooter company. Anyone can start a ride by downloading the smartphone Lime app and following the instructions for setting up an account. The e-scooters are managed using GPS technology which allows for the remote management of access, speed, parking and hours of operation. For example, the scooters will notify riders when they are nearing “no-ride” zones, and the devices will automatically slow in areas with low speed limits like the multi-use path between the CU planetarium, Center for Community and up to Engineering.
TIP: Download the lime app to see the most up-to-date zones and lime groves or to find your nearest scooter.
- Maximum speed is 15 mph with some designated 10 mph slow zones.
- Campus access is limited to certain preferred routes on streets, multi-use paths and some sidewalks where a bike lane is not present in an adjacent street. If you enter a "No-Go" zone, the e-scooter will lose propulsion until you return to the prefered route.
Scooters on CU properties must be parked at specific parking hubs called "Lime Groves" which are shown in the Lime app and signified by green paint on campus. Users will not be able to end their ride unless parked within the designated grove. Off campus, parking is more flexible in most of the city. Scooters should be parked either in groves or near bike racks or other areas that don't hinder ADA access or impede pedestrians. Use the Lime app to see locations and details.
Costs start at $1 to unlock and $.42 cents a minute to ride.
If you ride often, you can save using LimePrime, a monthly plan ($5.99) that has no unlock fee and you save 25% on the per-minute ride fee. For comparison, a LimePrime user taking 6 ten minute rides would pay around $18.90, compared to a standard user who would pay $31.20 for the same six rides.
- E-scooters are deployed in and must be parked in lime groves that allow for clear, unobstructed passage of pedestrians on/near sidewalks and do not impede Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility or the boarding or departure of transit users.
- Each scooter is equipped with headlights, tail lights and other security features.
- The Lime app has a "Training Mode" feature that limits the device speed to 8 mph so first-time riders can get the feel for riding.
- Riders are encouraged to always wear a helmet. More information on discounted helmets available through Lime is available here
Injuries - If you get hit by, injured on, or have a crash with a scooter and are injured, call 911 (if calling from a cell phone on campus tell the dispatcher that you are on campus so CUPD can be dispatched). Any incident that involves actual physical contact or injury should be reported to CU Police Department if on campus, or Boulder Police. Please also report your crash or injury with Lime. Fill out a report with Lime here or call 1-888-546-3345
Report Lime E-scooter Issues (directly to Lime)
- Phone: 1-888-LIME-345
- Email: support@li.me
- Text: 1(888)-546-3345
- In App: Rapid Reporting feature (riders and non-riders)
- On social media: tag @_LimeAid on X (Twitter)
Can't afford to Lime?
We get it. Those minute to minute charges can add up.
If you ride often, you can save using LimePrime, a monthly plan ($5.99) that has no unlock fee and you save 25% on the per-minute ride fee. For comparison, a LimePrime user taking 6 ten minute rides would pay around $18.90, compared to a standard user who would pay $31.20 for the same six rides.
You can also check out LimeAccess which provides discounted rides to Lime users who qualify for public benefits. Eligible riders may include Pell grant recipients. Reach out to access@li.me or apply online.
Other Small Electric Devices
One-wheels and other small electric devices should follow the same rules as personal electric scooters.