"We can not leave safety aside," launches Auckland Transport president's harsh warning for Lime scooters

President of Auckland Transportation, Dr. Lester Levy, issued a stern warning to Lime, warning that his electric scooters could be removed from the streets of Auckland by Friday.

Levy said the company had to prove that its scooters were safe by the end of the week and address the lack of information provided to the Auckland authorities on apparent safety flaws.

"We can not let security go first of all … in the event of a breakdown of equipment, I think the burden of proof should be on society," he told RNZ.

"[Lime’s] The answer is too slow and I asked our General Manager Auckland Transport to change the threshold.

"If we do not get quick answers, they should, in my opinion, take tougher measures, up to the suspension of the trial."

Several people were injured after closing the front wheel of the Lime electric scooter, including Auckland man Liam Thompson.

Thompson was injured driving a Lime Friday night after the front wheel stalled and he flew over the handlebars.

The 27-year-old has a fractured jaw and cuts all over his body.

At least two other men were injured in electronic scooters during similar incidents.

Levy also worries about the vulnerability of vulnerable users, including the elderly, children and parents of young children.

Yesterday, Auckland Council representatives met with Lime, asking for clearer information about malfunctioning issues and human security safeguards.

The board will review the company's response before making further decisions regarding its future in Auckland, which could include a possible extension of the company's operating license, which will expire at the end of next month. .

A spokesman for Lime said that he had "recently" become aware of the operational problem regarding some scooters and that an investigation was underway.

"Although the problem is still under investigation, user safety is our first priority and the affected scooters have been removed from the traffic," said Lime.

"In the meantime, we are deploying early detection and additional preventative measures for our global fleet.

"Lime's liability insurance is there for runners and the public in case of any problem."