A section of road near Chiswick Bridge has become cluttered with abandoned electric Lime bikes, resulting from differing regulations between the boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow. This area marks the boundary where Lime bikes lose their electrical functions due to restrictions enforced by Hounslow council, which recently opted not to renew Lime’s operating contract, thereby causing operational difficulties for riders transitioning between boroughs.
The situation has led to an accumulation of hired bikes on each side of the bridge, as riders must dismount upon entering Hounslow, which only permits bikes from Forest and Voi. Local resident Thomas Letch noted he now requires subscriptions to multiple bike rental services to commute to work. Comedian Dara Ó Briain likened the scenario to “Checkpoint Charlie,” referring to the apparent division between the rival companies’ bikes.
Concerns have arisen among local residents regarding the management of parked bikes, as designated spaces exist in Hounslow but not in Richmond, where Lime bikes are often left scattered. Hounslow council has pledged to improve bike parking enforcement following complaints about improper bike placement. They acknowledged the confusion stemming from a borough-specific regulatory approach.
A council spokesperson indicated ongoing efforts to collaborate with Transport for London and neighboring areas to advocate for a unified, pan-London regulatory system. Lime stated it is working to address the issue by reallocating resources to manage abandoned bikes and emphasized the importance of allowing mobility across boroughs for its customers.
Meanwhile, Forest’s head of policy expressed the need for a consistent regulatory framework across London to enhance operational efficiency and support local needs, ultimately promoting sustainable transport methods.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/22/hire-ebikes-accumulate-london-border-rival-firms