London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for urgent secondary legislation to replace the capital’s fragmented borough-by-borough dockless e-bike rules, warning that current regulations will not be in place until at least 2028. Rental journeys across the city reached 37 million in 2025, marking a one-third increase in popularity that has intensified conflicts over street safety and parking.
Sadiq Khan Demands Faster Powers to End the Wild West E-Bike Market
City Hall has described the current oversight of dockless rental fleets as the “Wild West,” pointing to inconsistent local rules managed through individual Memorandums of Understanding between councils and operators. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 granted the transport secretary the authority to give Transport for London statutory powers to establish a unified framework. However, the devolution process is running slowly, leaving local authorities without a unified licensing system until at least 2028.
Operators and Boroughs Struggle With Fragmented Rules
Major rental operators including Lime, Forest, Voi, and Bolt currently negotiate operating terms separately with each of London’s boroughs, creating vastly different standards for parking and rider behavior. Voi operates approximately 14,000 bikes in the capital, alongside Forest with 25,000 and Lime with 40,000. While the City of London alone expects to collect £455,360 from operators this year, industry leaders argue that the lack of a pan-London vision creates widespread confusion.
Pedestrian Suffers Severe Fractures After Being Struck by Stolen Bike
The rapid expansion of the multi-million-pound hire business has triggered sharp criticism over reckless riding, red-light jumping, and pavements clogged with discarded vehicles. Jane Ouartsi suffered a broken femur, a fractured collarbone, and two spinal fractures requiring three operations after being struck by a stolen Lime bike ridden by a child in St Giles Square on August 4, 2023. Police took no action against the rider, and Lime offered no compensation, stating the incident fell outside its liability insurance because the bike was stolen.
Department for Transport Consultation Plans for 2026
The Department for Transport stated that a public consultation will launch in the coming months before new licensing regulations and guidance are set out. Meanwhile, Transport for London and the Mayor have provided £1.7 million to London boroughs this year to fund micromobility parking spaces, adding to the 36,000 existing spaces across the capital to curb street clutter ahead of formal legislative changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About London Dockless E-Bikes
When will Transport for London receive statutory powers to regulate e-bikes?
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 established the legal route for Transport for London to become the licensing authority, but formal rules will not be in place until at least 2028.
How many dockless e-bike hire journeys occurred in London recently?
Latest figures show that dockless e-bike hire journeys increased by a third, reaching 37 million journeys in 2025.
How much do operators pay London local authorities for bike placement?
Councils receive payments from operators via Memorandums of Understanding, with the City of London expected to collect £455,360 from hire companies this year.
What are the largest dockless e-bike operators currently active in London?
Lime is the largest operator with approximately 40,000 bikes, followed by Forest with about 25,000 vehicles and Voi with 14,000.
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