Key facts
- London boroughs seized 3,393 e-bikes this year.
- Lime bikes accounted for over 2,000 seizures.
- Forest ranked second with 978 seizures, followed by Voi with 103.
- Campaigners cite safety concerns for pedestrians, including those with disabilities.
- Councils are seeking a unified regulatory approach across London.
- Transport for London is expected to implement a capital-wide regulatory framework.
London councils have seized over 3,300 e-bikes this year, a significant increase from previous years, as frustration mounts over the obstruction of pavements and public spaces by improperly parked rental bicycles. The Guardian's investigation revealed that 3,393 e-bikes were impounded by local authorities, a 23% rise compared to the entirety of 2025.
Lime, the largest operator in the capital, accounted for more than 2,000 of these seizures. Rival companies Forest and Voi also contributed to the total, with 978 and 103 seizures respectively. Dockless e-bikes have become a popular, greener alternative for urban transport, making up an estimated 10% of London's 1.5 million daily cycle journeys.
However, campaigners like Zak Viney from Living Streets highlight that irresponsibly parked bikes impede safe walking and wheeling. Erik Matthies of the Royal National Institute of Blind People noted the growing problem for visually impaired individuals, elderly people, and wheelchair users, with some reporting collisions and injuries, leading to reduced mobility.
Councils are pushing for a unified regulatory approach across London, citing difficulties in managing different policies and operators across borough boundaries. Councillor James Slater of Camden described the current regulatory landscape as a "jigsaw puzzle." The English devolution bill, passed in April, grants local authorities new powers to license e-bike operators and set standards for parking, safety, and accessibility. In London, these powers will be managed by Transport for London (TfL), which is expected to establish a single, capital-wide regulatory framework.
E-bike operators argue that councils need to invest more in designated parking bays to accommodate the growing demand. Lime stated that most of its riders end trips responsibly and that seizures often occur in overcrowded bays. Forest echoed concerns about insufficient parking infrastructure, while Voi emphasized its commitment to preventing obstructions, particularly for vulnerable road users.