Report: Lime Likely to Lose $300 Million in 2019

Investigative journalism by The Information reveals troubling financial data at one of the largest and most visible electric scooter rental companies.

1 minute read

October 23, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Lime Scooters

Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr

The electric scooter rental company Lime "is losing money nearly as quickly as it expands in part because the company’s vehicles tend to break down before they can generate much cash," according to an article by Cory Weinberg that is partially hidden behind a paywall.

"Lime’s operating loss is likely to surpass $300 million this year, on more than $420 million of gross revenue, according to financial projections viewed by The Information," according to the article.

The company is hoping to improve the reliability of its scooters and raise revenue to $1 billion next year to improve on this year's performance. But the story calls to mind the experience of Uber, which earlier this year was revealed to have lost $5 billion in one quarter this year. In 2016, Uber lost $2.2 billion in three quarters, so Lime should be concerned that losses could get worse before they get better.

Monday, October 21, 2019 in The Information

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3, 2024 - Stanford University News

Heavy traffic on freeway in San Diego, California.

Why Traffic Never Gets Better

Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.

December 12 - Greater Greater Washington

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Tops ‘Urban Mobility Readiness’ List

An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.

December 12 - Bloomberg CityLab

Cyclist on folding bike riding next to silver car on city street.

Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists

A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.

December 12 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.