Electric bike operators could lose the right to operate across a popular London borough after a local council issued what it called a “final warning” following numerous problems.
Islington Council leader Una O’Halloran and executive member Rowena Champion wrote to Lime and Forest, raising repeated concerns that have not been addressed.
The main problems include bikes blocking footpaths, riders ignoring traffic signals, and docking stations overflowing with bikes.
Ms O’Halloran shared: “I’m not against cyclists, and we see the benefits of bikes in the borough, but there are problems.” She added the council could ask both companies to stop operating in Islington if the issues continue.
The council’s letter listed seven demands that must be met for the hire schemes to keep running across the Islington area.
Operators must stop all activity between 11pm and 6am in areas with multiple noise complaints. They also need to introduce geofenced no-parking and slow zones across housing estates when requested.
Docking stations at busy transport hubs, including Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Square, must be kept under strict capacity limits, and excess bikes should be removed quickly.
The council also wanted a more accurate GPS to make sure bikes are parked in designated spots and full transparency on fleet numbers and compliance statistics.
E-bikes have been found to be blocking pavements in London
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PAThe tougher action follows complaints from local residents who have repeatedly warned that the bikes have caused disruption.
One resident who has lived in Islington for 30 years said two car parking spaces outside her home were replaced with a bike docking station, despite paying for a permit.
She reported being disturbed at night by people collecting or returning bikes, and by riders ringing bells early in the morning.
In response to the letter, Forest’s head of policy, Alex Berwin, said the company “cares deeply about making a positive impact in the city” and is “committed to being a responsible operator and a constructive partner to Islington Council.”
E-bike operators have come under fire for riders leaving the bikes clogging up pavements
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PAHe added that Forest is investing in better parking technology, in-app guidance, and clearer instructions to encourage responsible parking. Forest has also stopped overnight servicing to reduce noise for residents.
Lime said some overnight operations are essential to keep bikes charged and available.
The company said it is working with the council to reduce disturbance at night, but blamed parking problems on “record demand” for its service.
The council acknowledged the benefits of hiring bikes, with 10 million journeys made in 2025, although officials said ongoing issues were harming these benefits.
E-bikes have been growing in popularity across London | PAIn the past year, Islington has created 115 new e-bike bays, taking the total to more than 200. The council has also confiscated over 200 bikes parked illegally, with operators paying high fees to retrieve them.
Ms O’Halloran stressed that the council cannot solve the problems alone and urged the companies to work together.
The council’s letter ended with a clear warning: “We welcomed you to the borough because of the benefits that hire bikes bring – but without urgent action on these issues, this welcome will be withdrawn.”
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