More than 100 new parking bays for rental e-bikes are being proposed across the borough as the council continues action to tackle irresponsible parking of e-bikes, making it safer and easier to get around. The Royal Borough of Greenwich has launched a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce 108 new mandatory on-street parking bays for rental e-bikes, following the introduction of the first 45 designated bays earlier this year.
Rental e-bikes, like Lime and Forrest, provide a flexible and sustainable option for short journeys and are used by people across Greenwich and London, with almost half of Londoners under 35 using them weekly, and more than a third of journeys being to connect with public transport. However, when parked incorrectly, they can obstruct pavements and make it more difficult for people to move around safely, particularly disabled people, older residents, people with visual impairments and parents and carers with pushchairs.
The designated bays will provide clear and safe locations for users to park dockless e-bikes at the end of their journeys, helping to keep footways clear and improve accessibility, safety and the management of public spaces.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said:
“We are making sure that rental e-bikes are in bays, not in your way.
“Rental e-bikes can provide a convenient and sustainable way for people to make short journeys and connect with public transport, but they must be parked responsibly.
“We’ve already introduced the first phase of mandatory parking bays in parts of the borough, and it is making a positive difference. We are now consulting on a further 108 locations across the borough, all paid for by the operators themselves.
“I encourage residents and stakeholders to look at the proposals and take part in this statutory consultation.
“Our approach is about making sure dockless e-bikes can operate safely and responsibly, while keeping our pavements accessible and supporting sustainable travel.”
Following an agreement we struck with Lime and Forest bikes, riders now face a fine if they end their journey outside of designated areas. There are also fines for any bikes parked obstructively or dangerously, and penalties if the operators do not remove obstructive bikes within clear timeframes.
The operators fund the installation of the parking bays and pay an annual operating fee.
The statutory consultation runs from Wednesday 7th October to Wednesday 28th October 2026.
Residents and stakeholders can view the proposals and submit an objection or representation by email or post during the consultation period.
Further details, including the proposed locations are available through the consultation website.
Notices will also be displayed on affected streets, with advertisements published in the London Gazette and Greenwich Weekender.
All responses and objections received during the statutory consultation will be carefully considered before a final decision is made.