London borough bans Lime e-bikes in favour of rival operator

Lime e-bikes have quickly become one of the most popular ways to get around the capital.

But cyclists will no longer be able to hire or park the bikes in one southwest London borough as the vehicles are replaced by competitor Forest.

A phased transition began on Monday in Richmond, with 1,500 Forest bikes set to be rolled out this week.

Lime is also winding down operations and removing bikes from the borough. While they won’t all disappear at once, and some bikes will remain in the borough for a time, the plan is for Richmond to become Lime-free.

Richmond Council says the move will offer residents more bikes, better connectivity – as Forest already operates in neighboring boroughs Kingston and Hounslow – and, crucially, lower prices.

Lib Dem Council Leader Gareth Roberts said: ‘Today marks a major step forward for sustainable transport in Richmond upon Thames.

‘We promised residents a better deal on hire e-bikes and we have delivered. Forest is bringing lower prices, more bikes and a service designed around what people told us they wanted.

‘Whether you are travelling to work, heading to the shops, visiting friends, or connecting with public transport, residents now have access to a more affordable, reliable, and convenient way to get around Richmond and beyond. Richmond is leading the way in making active travel a realistic choice for more people.’

To celebrate the change, Forest is offering riders who start their journeys in Richmond up to 30 minutes of cycling for £1 this month, or a 400-minute package for £13.99 a month.

Lime had been the borough’s sole operator since 2021, and the decision has been met with mixed reactions.

A petition urging the council to consider allowing multiple e-bike providers in the borough has garnered more than 1,800 signatures.

The page, on Change.org, reads: ‘As well as disrupting established travel patterns, including school journeys, it risks negative impacts on local businesses and visitor access.

‘The justification for the decision relies on benefits that could be achieved without exclusivity and appears to prioritise limited financial gain over public utility.’

The council consulted with residents on Richmond’s new e-bike policy as it considered contenders for a new contract last year.
Council officers then drew up a report evaluating each provider’s offering, with Forest coming out with the ‘best overall proposal’.

Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann said: ‘Residents were clear: they wanted better value, better management, and more bikes available when and where they need them. We listened and acted.

‘From today, Richmond residents can see the difference for themselves. Forest offers some of the most affordable e-bike hire in London, with £1 introductory rides, free minutes for short journeys, and improved parking arrangements that support both riders and local communities.’

What happens if you try to ride a Lime bike to Richmond?

Under the new scheme, you will no longer be able to start a Lime ride in Richmond, nor park a Lime e-bike there.

You can, in practice, cycle through Richmond if your journey starts and ends in areas where Lime bikes are still in use.

If you attempt to end your journey in Richmond, you will be unable to and the Lime app will prompt you to park elsewhere.