Hounslow Ditches Lime in Favour of Two New e-Bike Operators

Forest and Voi to provide borough's services after a string of complaints

Forest and Voi have both promised stricter bay usage rules

August 1, 2025

Hounslow Council has sacked Lime as the provider of e-bike services in the borough after a string of complaints from residents.

It has announced that Forest and Voi will become borough’s exclusive e-bike operators from Monday 11 August. The decision marks a significant shift in the borough’s micromobility strategy and follows mounting dissatisfaction with Lime’s performance.

The move comes after a competitive procurement process shaped by extensive public feedback through the Council’s Kerbside Strategy consultation and a two-year e-bike trial. Residents voiced concerns over poor parking compliance, slow response times, and a lack of affordability—issues that were frequently linked to Lime’s operations.

Since launching in 2023, Hounslow’s e-bike programme has recorded over 1.7 million trips, including more than 127,000 rides and nearly 30,000 active users in June 2025 alone. However, Lime’s trial drew criticism for widespread antisocial parking, hacking incidents, and inadequate customer support. Bikes were often left blocking pavements, driveways, and even junctions, prompting safety concerns from residents and councillors alike.

In the run up to the announcement, Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, acknowledged the issues. She said “It is clear that a small minority are behaving in an anti-social and inconsiderate manner by attempting to abuse the scheme, which is causing inconvenience and potential danger to Hounslow’s residents, visitors and businesses. This behaviour is clearly unacceptable and could result in police action.” She added that Lime had been asked to “redouble their efforts” to address unsafe use, but persistent complaints continued.

Designated bays in the borough did not fully solve problems

Under the new contracts, Forest and Voi will introduce several improvements. Pricing will be reduced, with targeted discounts for residents, low-income users, and local businesses. Parking enforcement will be strengthened through advanced technology and stricter bay usage rules. Safety will be prioritised with induction training, moderated speeds, and incentive programmes. The fleet will expand to include lighter models and trial options such as cargo baskets and child seats. Customer support will be available 24/7 in multiple languages, and operations will be powered by zero-emission service vehicles. The scheme also includes partnerships with community organisations and apprenticeship opportunities to support local engagement.

Forest and Voi’s appointment places them in direct competition with Lime, which still holds a dominant position in other parts of London.

Voi’s recent expansion in neighbouring Ealing—where it operates e-scooters alongside Lime under the Transport for London rental trial—demonstrates its growing presence in west London. Ealing Council has introduced over 100 new parking zones and enforces fines for mis-parking, while offering free training sessions to promote safe riding.

Hounslow Council will continue to monitor operator performance and resident feedback to ensure the new scheme delivers long-term value and supports sustainable transport across the borough.

We have asked Lime for comment.