Young voters offered free rides on e-bikes in Salford for Election Day

Young voters have been offered free rides on e-bikes in Salford during this year's General Election. Lime, the provider of the popular electronic bikes and scooters, is giving two free minute rides in the city to get young people to the polls.

The scheme comes after a recent survey by 'Give an X' revealed that one in three young people in England are not registered to vote and around 44% of young people aged 18-34 believe their vote won't make a difference. The initiative is a partnership between, Lime and youth campaign, Shape History and Give an X, which is aimed at mobilising young people to vote.

The partnership and initiative aims to combat common barriers to voting such as the cost of travel or lack of car ownership by providing riders with access to a complimentary and more sustainable mode of transport.

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On Election Day, both new and existing riders will be able to redeem two free 15-minute rides using the promotional code: UKELECTION2024 in the Lime app in Salford, Nottingham, Derby and Milton Keynes. All existing riders will be notified via in-app notifications.

There will also be a number of Lime vehicles fitted with ‘Give an X’ branded e-bike baskets or e-scooter leaflets reminding people to cast their vote on July 4.

The promotion known as 'Lime to the Polls' is also helping launch the ‘Give an X Challenge’, bringing together some of the biggest brands, celebrities and over 250 youth organisations to raise awareness of the importance of voting, and giving young people an opportunity to have their voices heard. The challenge is launching today and encourages young people in the country to use social media to show creative and unique ways to get to the polls on Election Day.

Alice Pleasant, public affairs manager at Lime UKI, said: "Lime is delighted to be involved in such an impactful campaign, providing voters with free transport options to get to the voting booths on Election Day in cities across the UK. Access to affordable and convenient transport options should never be a barrier to voting, and we’re proud to play our part in enabling Lime riders to get to the polls and participate in the upcoming General Election through our Lime to the Polls programme with the ‘Give an X’ campaign ."

Dan Lawes, head of partnerships at My Life My Say, said: "As part of the national ‘Give An X’ campaign, we are thrilled to collaborate with Lime in offering free rides. This initiative is crucial in meeting young people where they are, breaking down barriers that may prevent them from voting in the upcoming UK General Election.

"By providing complimentary and sustainable transport options, we aim to boost voter turnout and empower young voices across the country. We are confident that this collaboration will make a significant impact on youth voter participation and ensure every young person's voice is heard."