Five Hundred New e-Bikes Coming to Ealing

Voi enters market with provision now expanded across the borough

The new bikes should be parked at designated locations. Picture: Voi

May 1, 2025

The provision of e-bikes across the borough of Ealing is to increase significantly with the entry of Swedish-run Voi into the market.

The council has signed an agreement to be the first to host these bikes in London and 500 dockless bikes will be made available to add to those already provided locally by Lime. Voi also provides e-scooters.

The company provides two types of bike, the heavier Explorer 4 which includes a metal basket and a softer saddle and the Explorer Light which is designed for accessibility. The bikes are capable of detecting uphill riding and automatically adjusting the power assist.

The pilot scheme will begin with a free ride to all new users, using the code “UKBIKE”. Otherwise riding will cost £0.49 to unlock and 18p per minute. Parking locations will be marked out in the app and identified to minimise any impacts on people walking or wheeling.

There will now be availability of e-bikes across the borough including areas such as Northolt and Greenford for the first time.

Ealing Council has actively promoted micromobility as a sustainable transport solution and there has been 75% increase in journeys in the borough last year, compared to the year before, according to electric vehicle company Lime.

Despite the benefits, some residents have raised concerns about improperly parked e-bikes obstructing pavements, posing hazards to pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues. In response, Ealing Council has installed designated micromobility parking bays in areas like Southall and Hanwell to mitigate these issues .

The broader London context reflects similar challenges. The City of London Corporation has taken action against non-compliant parking by seizing dockless bikes and imposing fines on operators like Lime and Forest . Mayor Sadiq Khan has advocated for increased regulation to address the "Wild West" nature of dockless e-bike parking, proposing the creation of 3,500 designated parking bays across London to alleviate pavement clutter .

James Bolton, Voi’s UK General Manager, said, “With Ealing’s vibrant high streets and strong community spirit, Voi is thrilled to launch our new e-bikes, offering Londoners a safe, sustainable, and affordable way to move around the Capital. Our new e-bikes empower people from all walks of life to connect to jobs, education, the Tube and trains, and everything London has to offer. We're 100% committed to running a responsible pilot that keeps pavements clear and brings a greener way to get around West London.

“Demand for e-bikes in London is astronomical, but e-bikes don’t currently work for the whole of London. We’re pleased to partner with Ealing to launch our West London e-bike pilot, proving a new, responsible approach to e-bikes is possible in the Capital.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said, “Well-managed E-bikes are a crucial part of the London transport network, so it’s great that Voi has introduced this pilot to parts of London that don’t currently benefit from e-bike hire schemes.

“These two new e-bike models cater to a wider range of cyclists, making e-bike hire safer and more accessible.

“Offering Londoners even more options to travel sustainably builds on the great work the Mayor has undertaken in the capital to enable more people to walk and cycle.”

Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, said, “Rentable e-bikes and scooters are a popular way to travel in our borough so introducing Voi e-bikes, alongside our current offering, is going to help us meet this demand. I’m also hopeful that the new, light-weight bikes will allow more people to try this mode of transport, so everyone can experience the health and wellbeing benefits they offer.”