London council confiscates more than 2,500 rental e-bikes in crackdown on bad parking

3 June 2026, 09:39 | Updated: 3 June 2026, 14:13

A London borough has confiscated more than 2,500 rental e-bikes that were abandoned or badly parked.

Kensington and Chelsea Council launched the crackdown at the start of last year.

It said it had charged operators in excess of £210,000 for seizure, storage, and release fees for their e-bikes.

The local authority confiscated 1,315 of the e-bikes last year, while the total for this year so far has already reached 1,200.

The majority were Lime e-bikes, with 1,624 seized, followed by Forest with 787.

Some 61 Voi e-bikes were also confiscated, along with 44 from Bolt.

Lime and Forest have signed agreements to prohibit users from parking anywhere in the borough outside 245 designated spaces, the council said.

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Johnny Thalassites, lead member for resident services, planning, and enforcement at the council, said: "Rental e-bikes have an important role to play in helping Londoners get around, but that cannot come at the expense of safe, accessible streets.

"Our officers have done a fantastic job in removing 2,500 e-bikes, and it sends a very clear message - park in a bay, or we'll take it away.

"If bikes are dumped across pavements, blocking crossings, or creating a danger for residents and road users, we will take action.

"We also need operators to do their bit by clearing obstructions quickly, covering the cost when we have to intervene, and doing more to encourage considerate rider behaviour."

(c) Sky News 2026: London council confiscates more than 2,500 rental e-bikes in crackdown on bad parking