United Kingdom: London boroughs have seized at least 3,393 e-bikes this year over hazardous parking and abandonment, a sharp increase from the previous year as complaints grow about bikes blocking pavements and paths.
The number of seizures so far this year is 23 percent higher than the total recorded during all of 2025, according to figures obtained from 19 local authorities through freedom of information requests. Lime accounted for more than 2,000 of the seizures, making it the most frequently seized operator. Rival company Forest recorded 978 seizures, while Voi accounted for 103, according to the figures.
Dockless e-bikes have grown rapidly in popularity across London as a cheaper and greener alternative to other forms of transport. Transport for London estimates that dockless e-bikes account for about one in 10 of the city’s 1.5 million daily cycling journeys.
Campaigners say the growing number of bikes is creating problems for pedestrians and wheelchair users when vehicles are left across pavements and roads. Zak Viney of campaign group Living Streets said irresponsibly parked e-bikes can prevent people from walking and using streets safely.
Bike operators, however, argue that councils need to invest more in designated parking bays to reduce the buildup of bikes on pavements. Operators say a lack of suitable parking space makes it harder to keep dockless fleets organised.
London councils have also criticised the lack of centralised regulation across the capital, saying a more coordinated system could make planning and management easier. The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing the rapid growth of shared e-bikes with the need to keep streets accessible and safe.
WE RECOMMEND | Could BRICS change how countries trade with each other?
