Waltham Forest could finally see dockless e-bikes on its streets, as the new Green-led council launches a public consultation on the scheme. The move follows years of resident demands, with the previous Labour administration having barred companies like Lime and Forest from operating in the borough.
Councillor Paul Perkins, the new Green leader of the council, announced the consultation in a video posted to Instagram and Facebook over the weekend. He said: “This is already the best borough to cycle in, but we want to give you even more green and easy options.”
What the consultation proposes
The borough-wide survey asks residents where they would like to see dockless e-bike parking bays, places they would like to travel using them, and locations that need “careful consideration” or where people would not like to see parking bays. The council is considering a scheme with designated parking bays on the road and limits on the number of dockless e-bikes, which would be rolled out in phases.
“Clear rules” would also be in place for operators, and walking routes would be “strongly protected”. “How we introduce the scheme is up to you,” Cllr Perkins said. “Whether you like e-bikes, regular cycles, or you don’t cycle at all, we want you to help us introduce e-bikes safely and responsibly.”
Why e-bikes are being considered
E-bikes – shared electric bikes hired through an app – are a popular way for Londoners to get around, with around 150,000 trips made across the capital every day. Dockless cycles do not need to be returned to a dedicated station, but riders are often required to leave them in marked bays.
Waltham Forest already has almost 60 kilometres of cycle lanes and more than 1,000 bike hangars, according to council figures. The council says e-bikes could help people reach town centres more easily, try cycling without owning a bike, make short journeys without using a car, and visit neighbouring boroughs.
Resident concerns and next steps
However, the town hall acknowledges concerns about dockless e-bikes blocking pavements, crowding areas, poor parking, and “slow action” when problems are reported. Some early commenters on Instagram showed support, with one user saying they were “so glad” it was finally being considered, while another called e-bikes “greener, cheaper, quicker”.
Others, however, stressed the importance of not blocking pavements or making it harder for elderly or disabled residents to get around. One resident described them as a “menace”. The survey will run until Sunday, 8th November. No decisions have yet been made on operators, the number of e-bikes, or when the scheme would begin, the council says.
