Lime e-bikes will be banned from being hired or parked in Richmond, as part of a phased transition launched today (June 1). Forest has begun operating in the South West London borough and its bikes are appearing on the streets, with 1,500 bikes being rolled out this week. At the same time, Lime is winding down operations and taking bikes out of the borough. Some Lime bikes may remain for a short period during the transition.
Why the Change?
Richmond Council said the move will bring residents lower prices, more bikes and better connectivity as Forest already operates in neighbouring boroughs Kingston and Hounslow. Forest is offering riders who start their journeys in Richmond up to 30 minutes of cycling for £1 this month. Residents can also buy a 400-minute package at a discounted price of £13.99 a month.
Lib Dem Council Leader Gareth Roberts said: "Today marks a major step forward for sustainable transport in Richmond upon Thames. We promised residents a better deal on hire e-bikes and we have delivered. Forest is bringing lower prices, more bikes and a service designed around what people told us they wanted."
He added: "Whether you are travelling to work, heading to the shops, visiting friends, or connecting with public transport, residents now have access to a more affordable, reliable, and convenient way to get around Richmond and beyond. Richmond is leading the way in making active travel a realistic choice for more people."
Background of the Decision
The council's Transport Committee approved plans in March to switch e-bike providers from Lime to Forest, in a major change as Lime had been the borough's sole e-bike operator since 2021. The decision sparked criticism, however, with a petition urging the council to consider a model accommodating multiple e-bike providers gaining more than 1,800 signatures.
The petition, launched by resident Esther Van De Pette, warned withdrawing Lime from the borough would reduce transport options available to residents and visitors by making it more difficult to use e-bikes. The petition said: "As well as disrupting established travel patterns, including school journeys, it risks negative impacts on local businesses and visitor access. The justification for the decision relies on benefits that could be achieved without exclusivity and appears to prioritise limited financial gain over public utility."
The council consulted residents on e-bikes in Richmond as it looked to draw up the new contract last year, with many respondents expressing a desire for the service to continue but under greater control. The committee agreed to raise the cap on the number of e-bikes in the borough from 250 to 750 at a scrutiny meeting last June, with an option to rise to 1,000 overall. It also agreed to increase the supply of e-bike parking bays from 65 to at least 150 to reduce the number left blocking the pavements.
The council then invited bids from operators to provide e-bikes in Richmond for the next three years, which it received from Lime, Forest and Voi. The authority considered having one operator with a fleet cap of 1,500 e-bikes, or two operators with a fleet cap of 750 e-bikes each. A report by council officers said Forest scored highest in both scenarios for pricing plan and overall ranking, although the quality scores for all operators were similar. They ruled Forest as a single operator had the "best overall proposal".
Reactions and Next Steps
Responding to Forest's launch today, Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann said: "Residents were clear: they wanted better value, better management, and more bikes available when and where they need them. We listened and acted."
He added: "From today, Richmond residents can see the difference for themselves. Forest offers some of the most affordable e-bike hire in London, with £1 introductory rides, free minutes for short journeys, and improved parking arrangements that support both riders and local communities. This is about giving people genuine transport choice. Every journey made by bike instead of by car helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make our streets healthier and more enjoyable places to be."
Forest and Lime are contacting users through their apps to help the transition, while the council will share updates locally.
