Audio Soundscape

Voice Over- NU: Hi everyone, my name is Noiba Umaralieva and welcome to “Rolling through Vancouver” where we’ll be chatting about Lime Scooters with Alex from Vancouver << Fade out>>

PAUSE – Sound [Timestamp 00:14]

NU: Alright, so I’m here with Alex Kara, who’s a friend of mine, and a frequent lime rider in Vancouver. Hello Alex! 

AK: Hi!

NU: Thanks for chatting with me today.

AK: Not a problem. Happy to be here.

PAUSE – Sound [Timestamp 00:27]

NU: So, lets start with a quick little introduction so our listeners know who they’re listening to. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Alex?

AK: Yes, of course! Hi everybody! My name is Alex, I’m 27 years old and I moved from Toronto to Vancouver about 5 years ago. I love being outdoors and I enjoy going on a nice hike.  

NU: Awesome! Thank you! Now…lets dive into the topic of lime scooters . I know that you’ve been using them for a while. In fact, fun fact… Alex was the one who told me when they had gotten introduced to Vancouver streets. 

AK: Oh well your welcome! haha

NU: Oh yes! Thank you very much!

PAUSE -Sound [Timestamp 01:05]

NU: Alright, so let’s start with how long you’ve been using them for. 

AK: I think it’s been about a year…I live in downtown, so they first hit the streets, I’ve been a rider ever since.

NU: Very cool. So, how often do you use them?

AK: Probably on average – two to three times a week, sometimes more if the weather permits. It really depends on what I’m doing that day.

NU: I see. And can I ask what you typically use them for?

AK: Yeah, I mean, it’s mostly short trips. You know like getting to work, meeting up with friends, or just avoiding a long walk. It’s super handy when I don’t want to deal with the traffic or public transit. 

NU: Can you tell us what you like most about them?

AK: Oh, for sure. I would have to say the convenience. There’s lime scooter spot right below my apartment so I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess. Uhm, I don’t have to plan ahead. I just go down, unlock it, and there I go. And honestly, they’re very fun to ride, so it makes it more enjoyable. I also appreciate that they’re electric and offer me an eco-friendly alternative to driving around. It makes me feel better knowing that by using them, I’m somewhat contributing to help our planet, uh, even if its in some small way, right?

NU: Well, you’ve definitely got a point. I agree, they’re definitely a great eco-friendly alternative. Thank you!

PAUSE – Sound [Timestamp 02:28]

NU: Alright, so now let’s talk about the downsides. Do you have any issues or concerns with them?

AK: Nothing uh major, but if I had to be critical, um, yes, as much as I love them, there are definitely some downsides from time to time.  Like I said, I, one of the lucky ones because ive got a lime scooter spot right outside my apartment but there have been times where ive depended on it, and you know, went to a designated spot where the app shows that, theres one or two availble. But by the time I get there, its empty. I don’t know id that’s just a program glitch or if other people are just the much quicker than I am but that kind of tells me, theyre not 100% reliable every single time. 

NU: Oh I see. And what are your thoughts on the new no sidewalk riding rule, do you agree with it?

AK: That’s a great questions. I do understand why they don’t allow it, but personally to me, downtown roads with cars just don’t feel any safer, you know, per say. So no, I don’t actually agree with it. I think that every rider should make that decision on their own. Depending on the streets and how busy it is, I think that riders should have more flexibility with this rules.

NU: Got it! Thank you!

PAUSE – Sound [Timestamp 03:50]

NU: Moving onto a different question, if you could change 1 thing about Lime scooters in Vancouver, what do you think it would be?

AK:  It’s a great question. Um Probably to make them a little bit cheaper if from being honest, uh the price isn’t bad per se, uh, but I can add up very quickly if you use them very frequently. 

I know they’ve got programs for low income writers and they have the line pass membership, which is great. uh but I’m not going to lie to you. It’s still a little bit on the expensive side for most people. 

NU: Very, very true. All right. My so in my last question for you. If someone’s never tried a lime scooter before, uh what would you tell them? Any advice?

AK:  I would say give it a shot. You know, take it slot first and get used to the controls and of course, safety first always wear a helmet, uh especially if you’re on the road with cars around you. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a really fun and easy way to get around town.

NU: Love it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Alex. 

AK: No problem. Any time. Thank you as well.<<fade out>>