Lime bikes stay in Reno, but get electric power

--a sometimes controversial, but ubiquitous presence--will remain on Reno streets, but will get a power boost.

The Reno City Council voted late Wednesday afternoon to continue it's pilot contract with Lime for another year.

The extension -- however -- will allow some changes in the bike sharing program.

The company will be transitioning its fleet to e-bikes -- which still require riders to pedal, but add a power assist from an electric motor.

Lime also wants to add electric scooters, but that will require some legislative action.

Present Nevada law is vague on the subject of scooters, their legal definition as well as who and how they can be operated.

It's unlikely the scooters will be introduced until the second half of the year.

The city will be developing parking areas for the vehicles.

Sparks is moving in the other direction and is ending its agreement with Lime.

In other action, the city is moving forward with changes in its fire code to require sprinkler systems in new homes built outside a six-minute response time radius from the nearest fire station. A final vote is expected later this month.