In London, the rapid proliferation of rentable electric bicycles has sparked growing concern among local officials and residents over safety and public order. The situation has reached a point where hundreds of these e-bikes, particularly those operated by the companies Lime and Forest, are frequently left scattered across sidewalks and roads, creating obstacles for pedestrians and those with strollers.

This issue has drawn criticism from councillors in Wimbledon, who have reported that after busy events such as the All-England Tennis Championships, riders often abandon these bikes outside designated parking zones. Despite guidance to park in assigned areas, the bikes are typically left in disorganized clusters, forcing pedestrians to navigate carefully through crowded pavements cluttered with fluorescent green bicycles.

Complaints also extend beyond clutter to dangerous riding practices. Some e-bike users have been observed traveling at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour on sidewalks, behavior considered unacceptable for traditional cyclists. Pedestrians, in turn, face increased risks, with reports linking e-bike usage to injuries. Medical professionals have noted a rise in "Lime bike leg" injuries—severe leg trauma caused by the heavy bike frames—but there is also growing apprehension about harm to pedestrians.

A particularly notable case involved a woman who was seriously injured after being struck by a rider in a pedestrianized area. She suffered multiple fractures, including a broken femur and spinal damage. The rider, reportedly only 10 years old, bypassed the age restrictions of the rental system, raising questions about the effectiveness of safety protocols.

Further safety concerns include incidents linked to impaired riding. Under the Road Traffic Act of 1988, cycling under the influence is illegal; however, riders have been known to use e-bikes while intoxicated. Though the companies have implemented simple sobriety tests within their apps, critics argue these measures are too lenient to prevent impaired usage effectively. One public figure was hospitalized after falling from a Lime bike while intoxicated.

Law enforcement and community members also worry about the role of rentable e-bikes in facilitating crime, such as phone snatching. The electric bikes provide a swift getaway and can be easily abandoned after crimes, complicating tracking efforts.

The rapid expansion of e-bike services in London has largely occurred in the absence of comprehensive regulation. Lime and similar providers have secured agreements with individual boroughs rather than facing citywide oversight, experts say, resulting in an uneven approach to managing their impact.

Advocates for traditional cycling emphasize that responsible cyclists who adhere to rules and park considerately are undermined by the reckless use these rentable e-bikes sometimes enable. The debate continues over how best to balance the convenience and environmental benefits of e-bikes with the need for public safety and urban order.