Lime Increases London E-Bike Prices Amid Growing Competition and Council Scrutiny

Lime has quietly raised the cost of its e-bike rentals in London, City AM reports, increasing its per-minute rate from 29p to 31p—a rise of around seven per cent—without notifying customers.

The price of a 30-minute ride bundle has also jumped from £3.99 to £4.49, marking an increase of just over 12 per cent.

For frequent riders, the hikes add up quickly. A typical 20-minute pay-as-you-go journey that previously cost £5.80 now costs £6.20, putting Lime at a higher price point than rival operators. Competitors such as Forest charge a £1 unlocking fee and 29p per minute, while Bolt offers a 30-minute pass for £2.99 or 29p per minute on standard rides. None of Lime’s competitors have implemented similar price increases in recent weeks.

The changes follow Lime’s 2024 financial results, which showed UK revenue surged 75 per cent year-on-year to £111.3m. Pre-tax profit, however, fell slightly from £2.1m to £1.7m, reflecting expansion of the company’s fleet and operations.

Lime’s presence in London has grown rapidly, with an 85 per cent increase in journeys last year, including 16 million rides during commuting hours. The company now operates an estimated 20,000 e-bikes in the capital, surpassing TfL’s Santander Cycles, which has 12,000.

However, the expansion has brought challenges. Hospitals have reported an uptick in injuries linked to crashes involving Lime’s heavier e-bike models, dubbed “Lime bike leg.”

Local authorities have also increased scrutiny: Hackney has capped e-bike fares at £1.75 for trips within the borough, Hounslow ended its Lime trial entirely, and Westminster has started issuing £100 fines for bikes left blocking pavements—potentially generating £1m annually.

Meanwhile, competition is intensifying. Forest has introduced a dynamic pricing system offering discounted rides for bikes left idle or in oversupplied areas. Hackney’s five-year deal with Lime and Voi, which excludes Forest, has also drawn debate.

While some residents welcome the cheaper fares, concerns persist over safety and rising e-bike traffic. Under the agreement, operators must share a portion of their revenue with the council.