UMVA has learned that a significant shake-up is underway in London's e-bike landscape, as Lime e-bikes are set to disappear from one popular borough.
The sudden change will leave residents of Richmond with a new option: 1,500 Forest bikes are being rolled out this week, replacing Lime's existing fleet. This move marks a major shift in the borough's transportation landscape, with implications for cyclists and local businesses alike.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Richmond Council is driving this change, citing a desire to offer residents more bikes, better connectivity, and lower prices. The council claims that Forest's service is designed around what people wanted, with a focus on affordability, reliability, and convenience.
Forest's introductory offer includes up to 30 minutes of cycling for £1 this month, or a 400-minute package for £13.99 a month. This competitive pricing is likely to appeal to residents who rely on e-bikes for daily commutes, shopping trips, or social visits.
The decision to oust Lime has not been universally welcomed, however. A petition opposing the move has garnered over 1,800 signatures, citing concerns about disrupted travel patterns, negative impacts on local businesses, and visitor access. Petitioners argue that the justification for exclusivity relies on benefits that could be achieved without it, prioritizing limited financial gain over public utility.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Richmond Council consulted with residents on the new e-bike policy, evaluating each provider's offering before selecting Forest as the winning bidder. Council officers drew up a report highlighting Forest's 'best overall proposal', which included some of the most affordable e-bike hire in London.
As the transition takes hold, residents and visitors alike will need to adapt to the new landscape. Attempting to ride a Lime bike to Richmond will no longer be possible, with the Lime app prompting users to park elsewhere. However, cyclists will still be able to ride through Richmond if their journey starts and ends in areas where Lime bikes are still in use.
