Company says investment is needed to meet growing demand for sustainable transport, to enhance safety, making cycling more accessible and to improve parking
In 2024, some 16m journeys were made in London using Lime’s shared e-bike and e-scooters – and increase of 85% on the previous year. The service, which launched in 2018, is especially popular with the young: nearly half of Londoners aged 18-34 use Lime’s rental e-bikes every week.
Lime patrol team inspect a row of e-bikes parked in Southwark, photo courtesy of Lime
To meet demand – and ensure the e-bikes don’t pose a nuisance to others – Lime is investing £20m in new infrastructure across the capital.
It’s clear from the action plan that Lime is keen to address head on criticisms made of e-bike schemes, whether in London or elsewhere. Lasy year, we reported on measures introduced in Coventry to address safety concerns and nuisance. Wandsworth Council has also been moved to take action. An e-bike scheme in Sunderland was beset with difficulties.
The London action plan includes £5m for new parking infrastructure, with at least 2,500 additional dedicated parking spaces. The company is already working with London councils on this and has set up a ‘Private Land Parking Task Force’ in partnership with private landowners, businesses and others.
With this in hand, it is hoped that at least 1,500 of these new spaces will be built over the next six months. What’s more, this new investment is on top of the £1m Lime invested in 2024 to create almost 750 new parking spaces across London.
This effort will contribute significantly to the Mayor of London’s manifesto pledge to create 40,000 new bike parking spaces, as part of a wider aim to ‘ensure that dockless e-bike and e-scooter schemes can continue to play an important role in a safe and sustainable transport network.’
On top of this, Lime is investing £13.4 to bolster its own on-street teams by 60%, taking the number employed to more than 400. Its parking patrol will have increased presence in the busiest parts of the capital during peak hours. Team members will be equipped with cargo bikes that are capable of carrying five Lime e-bikes at a time, enabling them to move excess bikes around efficiently to where they are most needed. Operational management will also see a rise in headcount.
In addition, Lime is investing in tech advancements to ensure e-bikes are parked appropriately. This includes improved AI end-trip photo review to block poor parking in real time. The company has already issued warnings and fines for poorly parked e-bikes, whether the bikes cause obstruction or are left in unauthorised places.
There is also £250,000 to fund a safe riding campaign to improve safety for all. This will include deterring illegal behaviour such as running red lights and riding on pavements. The company hopes to work City Hall, Transport for London, London councils and other operators on this campaign.
Another £250,000 is being made available to improve access to cycling for more Londoners, supporting the wider initiatives of the London Cycling Campaign.
As well as the focus on getting more people cycling, Lime will also gather feedback from non-cyclists as part of its efforts to improve its service for everyone. Clearly signposted, scannable QR codes on wheel covers will enable members of the public to report issues or give feedback to which the company can swiftly respond.
Wayne Ting, CEO of Lime, says: ‘Since we launched in 2018, London has embraced Lime’s e-bikes. While demand has surged, infrastructure and our ability to ensure riders always have somewhere to park safely and considerately has not kept pace, leading to parking challenges across our industry. This £20m plan brings together crucial changes across our business that will help improve our service so that all Londoners can get around the city easily and safely.’
Tom Fyans, Chief Executive of the London Cycling Campaign, adds: ‘Lime bikes are changing the face of cycling in London, bringing joy to a huge and diverse audience new to cycling in London… With this new investment, Lime is helping ensure new riders cycle and park more responsibly.’
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