Richmond set for key vote on Lime’s future as e-bike users mobilise

ke market, in a move that could significantly reshape cycling provision across southwest London.

A meeting of the council’s transport and air quality committee on Monday evening will consider a recommendation to award an exclusive contract to rival operator Forest, replacing Lime as the sole provider.

Riders urged to speak out

Ahead of the decision, Lime users have been encouraged to attend the meeting at York House and speak directly to councillors about how the service supports their daily travel.

Messages sent to riders ask them to outline how they use Lime bikes, why they prefer the service, and what the impact would be if it were removed from the borough.

High stakes for popular service

Richmond represents a major market for Lime, with council data showing more than 1.5 million trips were made in 2025, a 50% increase on the previous year.

The operator is currently permitted around 500 bikes, although actual numbers on the streets are often higher during busy periods.

If councillors approve the recommendation, Lime would be forced to withdraw from the borough entirely, unless limited access is granted for bikes passing through without being hired or parked.

Competition and funding pressures

Council officers have recommended Forest following a competitive tender process assessing service quality, pricing and financial returns.

The decision highlights a growing tension in London’s e-bike market, as boroughs weigh the financial contributions offered by operators against service performance and user experience.

Forest has been expanding rapidly across London and already holds exclusive contracts in neighbouring Kingston and Sutton, as well as replacing Lime in Hounslow.

A spokesperson said the Richmond process had been “highly competitive” and welcomed the recommendation.

Debate over single vs dual operators

Lime has argued strongly against a single-operator model, warning it could reduce choice and harm cycling uptake.

“Almost all London boroughs are moving to systems with a minimum of two operators to give residents a choice,” a spokesperson said.

They added that prioritising financial returns over service quality risks creating “unpopular, dysfunctional schemes” that could undermine efforts to boost cycling and meet net-zero targets.

The debate comes as Haringey Council recently opted for a dual-operator model, allowing both Lime and Forest to operate side-by-side to maintain competition and flexibility.

Wider implications

The outcome of the Richmond vote could have implications beyond the borough, particularly in southwest London where differing operator arrangements can create coverage gaps at borough boundaries due to geo-fencing restrictions.

With demand for e-bikes continuing to grow, the decision is likely to be closely watched as councils across the capital refine how shared micromobility services are delivered.