A keen cyclist is taking legal action against the hire firm Lime after a severe accident on one of their electric bikes left him with a leg broken ‘like a twig’ and facing permanent injury.
A Routine Ride Turns to Disaster
The incident occurred in September last year on Garrett Lane in Earlsfield, south-west London. William Radford, 27, was using a Lime bike for shopping when he braked for pedestrians. He claims the back wheel of the rented e-bike unexpectedly skidded out, causing him to crash.
The heavy bike frame, weighing approximately 35kg, fell onto his right leg. The impact was so violent that William described hearing a sound like a ‘gunshot’ as his leg shattered. He suffered breaks in four places.
Life-Changing Injuries and Recovery
Doctors at St George’s Hospital reportedly told William his injuries could have been fatal, as the fractures were dangerously close to the femoral artery. He immediately underwent a four-hour operation where a steel rod and pins were inserted into his leg, followed by a week in hospital.
“It was like in slow motion. The sound, snap and then the pain. It was so bad I would score it 100 out of 100,” William said. “The pain was indescribable. I couldn’t wish it on anyone.”
His recovery was long and arduous. He spent four months learning to walk again on crutches and needed a month off work. Even after a year of physiotherapy, the Chelsea FC season ticket holder is left with a lasting limp. He can no longer kick a football, go for a run, or cycle with friends.
“My leg is never going to be the same,” he added. “It has really shrunk my world... It's going to hurt in the cold and winter and my limp will come and go.”
Legal Action and Wider Safety Concerns
William, a regular user who had clocked over 140km across 70 rides in the six months before the crash, claims Lime’s only initial response was to offer a refund for the hire. He has since instructed specialist lawyers from injurylawyers4u.co.uk to pursue a claim.
His solicitor, e-bike specialist Michael Hardacre, has sent a letter of claim to Lime. Hardacre stated: “Lime have a duty of care to their riders to make sure the bikes are safe when hired out and fit for purpose. Serious injuries like William’s can no longer be ignored.”
William’s case is one of at least 12 being brought by riders who say they were seriously injured on Lime’s e-bikes in London. Reports suggest the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel alone saw 150 cases involving the bikes in a six-month period.
A Lime spokesperson said: “We are actively engaging with the solicitors involved. We are unable to comment any further as this is an ongoing claims process.”
