Lime introduces redesigned electric bikes with smaller wheels to improve accessibility for women and older riders

Micromobility company Lime is rolling out a new design of its rental electric bikes in the UK that it hopes will be more appealing to women and older riders.

Updated Lime bikes started appearing in British cities in late March, having already been trialled on streets in select locations across the US, Australia and Europe for several months.

Among several changes from the previous model, the most noticeable is the switch from 26-inch wheels to 20-inch wheels, making the bike easier to mount and dismount.

The company says the new design is part of its efforts to 'get more people cycling' by addressing barriers that have prevented some demographics from using its service.

Lime hopes the changes will help increase the diversity of its ridership, which has historically skewed toward younger male users.