Thousands of ebikes seized by London councils as anger rises over blocked paths
News Source
β’Sat, 12 Sep 2026 06:00:26 GMT
π° What Happened
London councils have seized at least 3,393 badly parked or dumped e-bikes so far this year. That is 23% more than the number taken in all of 2025. The Guardian asked 21 London boroughs and the City of London for their figures.
Lime, a bike hire company from California, had more than 2,000 bikes seized. Forest was second with 978, and Voi was third with 103. Councils say the bikes block pavements, roads and parking bays.
π The Backstory
Rented e-bikes have become a common sight in London. One in 10 of the 1.5 million daily cycle trips in the city is made on a dockless e-bike, says Transport for London. Riders like them because they are cheap and clean.
The companies say the real problem is a lack of parking bays. Lime said most riders park well and only a small share of trips end in a seizure. Blind people and wheelchair users say blocked paths stop them going out.
π― Why It Matters
A pavement blocked by a dropped e-bike can stop a blind person, a wheelchair user or a parent with a pram. Cities now have to balance cheap green travel with safe streets.
London councils have seized at least 3,393 badly parked or dumped e-bikes so far this year. That is 23% more than the number taken in all of 2025. The Guardian asked 21 London boroughs and the City of London for their figures.
Lime, a bike hire company from California, had more than 2,000 bikes seized. Forest was second with 978, and Voi was third with 103. Councils say the bikes block pavements, roads and parking bays.
Rented e-bikes have become a common sight in London. One in 10 of the 1.5 million daily cycle trips in the city is made on a dockless e-bike, says Transport for London. Riders like them because they are cheap and clean.
The companies say the real problem is a lack of parking bays. Lime said most riders park well and only a small share of trips end in a seizure. Blind people and wheelchair users say blocked paths stop them going out.
A pavement blocked by a dropped e-bike can stop a blind person, a wheelchair user or a parent with a pram. Cities now have to balance cheap green travel with safe streets.