Ealing Council has told rental e-bike operator Lime to step up patrols after complaints that its bikes are being left strewn across pavements, with Windsor Road in Ealing Broadway highlighted as a recent and growing concern for locals.
A council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS the situation was unacceptable, saying: “It’s not acceptable for bikes to obstruct access, especially for disabled residents,” while confirming it is working with the company to tackle the problem.
Residents say the bright green bikes, part of a growing dockless e-bike network across London, are often abandoned across pavements, forcing pedestrians into the road or between parked cars. For wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and others with limited mobility, locals say the situation is becoming intolerable and making everyday journeys increasingly unsafe.
One resident described the challenge of walking down Windsor Road: “We have to navigate around these e-bikes which are carelessly left on the pavement and its just got worse. For anyone with limited mobility, it is a real nuisance and dangerous.”
Another resident stressed the wider impact: “Shared e-bikes are great for the environment and reducing car use. But right now, the people paying the price are those least able to cope with blocked pavements.”
Others pointed out that bikes bikes left beside cars have created hazards and frustration for drivers and passengers either trying to get out of their vehicles or into them.
A blue-badge holder told EALING.NEWS of their concerns: “My son drives me and over the past few weeks, he has had to move bikes away from car doors that are blocked by these bikes. It makes it difficult for us to get in and out of the car. What is Lime doing about people who hire these bikes and leave them so inconsiderately?”
The complaints in Ealing reflect a wider problem across London, where councils have struggled to manage the rapid growth of shared e-bike schemes. While operators promote their role in reducing car use and cutting emissions, critics argue that without sufficient docking infrastructure and enforcement, pavements are being turned into cluttered obstacle courses.
Lime, however, insisted it is making progress. A spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “We never want our e-bikes to obstruct anyone’s journey. We recognise that one of the most significant challenges facing our industry is the issue of misparked bikes. That’s why we have made significant investments, including committing to build over 2,500 more dedicated parking spaces across the capital in collaboration with local councils and TfL.
“Riders are required to take an ‘end-trip photo’ and any that park obstructively will be warned and fined with repeat offenders banned.
“We have also increased our on-street team who remove misparked bikes to ease congestion at busy locations. This has led to marked improvements over the last six months, with more to come.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Ealing Council to create an environment where cycling is a safe, integrated part of daily life for all.”
Ealing Council also explained that changes to parking rules are under way to help reduce obstructions.
A council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “We’ve asked Lime to step up patrols and clear bikes that are blocking pavements on Windsor Road. Windsor Road is a designated ‘virtual bay’ on Lime’s app, meaning users can park there, but only if the bike doesn’t block the footway. Lime asks users to take a photo of where they’ve parked at the end of each ride, but this system isn’t always reliable.
“Electric bikes for hire make it easier for people to choose cycling as a way to travel, and we support their role in promoting greener, healthier journeys.
“We are replacing virtual bay with marked bays across the borough to help prevent bikes spilling onto pavements. Residents can report issues directly to Lime via the app, by emailing support@li.me or calling 0800 808 5223.”
