More than 2,500 abandoned or poorly parked rental e-bikes have been seized by a London borough as part of a crackdown on inconsiderate parking. Kensington and Chelsea Council, which launched the initiative at the start of last year, has charged operators over £210,000 in seizure, storage, and release fees for the bikes.
The local authority confiscated 1,315 rental e-bikes in 2025, and the total for this year has already reached 1,200. Lime accounts for the majority of e-bikes seized, with 1,624, followed by Forest with 787. Some 61 Voi e-bikes have been confiscated, along with 44 from Bolt.
Kensington and Chelsea Council stated that Lime and Forest have signed agreements to prohibit users from parking anywhere in the borough outside of 245 designated spaces.
Johnny Thalassites, lead member for resident services, planning, and enforcement at the council, said: “Rental e-bikes have an important role to play in helping Londoners get around, but that cannot come at the expense of safe, accessible streets. Our officers have done a fantastic job in removing 2,500 e-bikes, and it sends a very clear message – park in a bay, or we’ll take it away. If bikes are dumped across pavements, blocking crossings or creating a danger for residents and road users, we will take action.”
He added: “We also need operators to do their bit by clearing obstructions quickly, covering the cost when we have to intervene, and doing more to encourage considerate rider behaviour.”
