Transport for London Announces New Steps to Regulate E-Bikes, but Lack of Legislation Leaves Most of the Onus to E-Bike Services

In November, Transport for London (TfL) announced new steps to regulate e-bikes, but a lack of legislation or power meant that most of the onus fell to e-bike services to do the right thing. Now, Lime CEO Wayne Ting has announced a £20 million ($24.8 million) five-point London Action Plan to help with overcrowding and poor parking.

Lime’s £20 Million London Action Plan

Multiple publications, including UKTN, report that Lime has vowed to sort out e-bike parking with its £20 million action plan. The plan includes:

• £5 million ($6.2 million) to create 2,500 additional e-bike parking spaces
• Expanding Lime’s on-street team to 400 people
• Aiming to move or collect about 4,000 bikes daily
• Using improved AI to confirm proper parking in end of trip photos

TfL’s New Policy

TfL has stated that it will consider taking action against operators who allow their bikes to be parked outside of designated places on red routes and on TfL land, which includes areas such as station forecourts and bus garages. Operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring their bikes are deployed and parked bikes appropriately.

The Impact of E-Bikes in London

As someone living in London, it’s clear that Lime bikes are scattered everywhere around the city. The company claims that 49 percent of 18 to 34 year olds in London rent an e-bike weekly, and 2024 saw an 85 percent increase in annual journeys.