Thousands of Ebikes Seized as London Councils Tackle Pavement Obstructions

London boroughs have impounded at least 3,000 dockless ebikes this year, a significant increase compared to last year, as authorities grapple with pavements and roads being obstructed by rental bicycles. Local authorities across the capital have seized 3,393 bikes that were either parked hazardously or abandoned. This figure represents a 23% rise from the total number of seizures made throughout 2025.

Lime, a major ebike operator, was responsible for more than 2,000 of this year's seizures. Figures obtained by The Guardian from 19 reporting authorities show Forest as the second highest with 978 seizures, and Voi with 103. Dockless ebikes have grown in popularity as a more affordable and environmentally friendly transport option, making up an estimated one in ten of London's 1.5 million daily cycle journeys, according to Transport for London (TfL) estimates.

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Safety Concerns Raised by Pedestrian Groups

Campaigners and organisations representing visually impaired individuals have voiced serious concerns about the safety implications of poorly parked ebikes. Zak Viney of the campaign group Living Streets stated that irresponsibly parked ebikes impede safe walking and wheeling on streets. Erik Matthies, policy lead at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, highlighted that abandoned ebikes are causing collisions and injuries, leading some blind individuals to avoid going out independently. He noted that the problem is worsening for blind and partially sighted people, as well as the elderly and wheelchair users.

Councillor James Slater of Camden Council reported instances of ebikes being left in resident parking bays and obstructing traffic. He described the situation during the solar eclipse, with numerous ebikes around Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, and stressed that operators have a responsibility to prevent public nuisance.

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Operators Blame Parking Infrastructure, Councils Seek Central Regulation

Ebike operators argue that a primary cause of the parking issue is the insufficient number of designated parking bays provided by councils. Lime stated that the high number of its bikes seized reflects its position as the largest operator and that most incidents occur in overcrowded parking areas. A spokesperson for Lime added that while the vast majority of riders end trips responsibly, a small proportion lead to seizures and fines. They acknowledged that parking challenges are industry-wide, with ebike parking demand outstripping supply.

Forest also indicated that the number of designated parking bays has not kept pace with demand and that they are collaborating with boroughs to encourage responsible parking. A Voi spokesperson confirmed that their vehicles should not obstruct access routes, pavements, or entrances, and that they take reports of obstruction seriously, recognising the impact on disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and users of mobility aids.

New Regulatory Powers for TfL

Councils have expressed frustration over the lack of a unified regulatory approach across London, describing the current system as a fragmented 'jigsaw puzzle'. Councillor Slater advocated for a London-wide strategy, noting the difficulties faced by individual boroughs with differing policies and operators. The English devolution bill, enacted in April, grants new powers to local authorities to license rental ebike operators and set standards for parking, safety, and accessibility. In London, these licensing powers will be transferred to TfL, which is expected to establish a single, capital-wide regulatory framework for dockless ebike operators. The mayor of London's office is collaborating with TfL and the Department for Transport to draft the necessary secondary legislation for these controls.

A spokesperson for the mayor's office emphasised that safety improvements must be central to future regulations and urged all dockless operators to engage fully with London boroughs and TfL to ensure their services benefit all Londoners.