Merton Council has reached an agreement with e-bike operators Lime and Forest to introduce mandatory bay parking for e-bikes, aiming to reduce pavement obstruction and improve safety for pedestrians.

The move comes in response to concerns raised by residents about e-bikes being ridden aggressively on pavements and dumped in public spaces, restricting access for pedestrians. At a Council meeting on Wednesday 9 July 2025, Craig van Eyk asked the Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets how Merton residents' safety and access would be protected, given the lawlessness of E-bicycle users. The full discussion can be found in the Public Questions Replies 9 July document.

The Cabinet Member responded that while the council lacks the legal authority to enforce traffic offences related to e-bike riding, they are addressing the issue of improperly parked e-bikes. He clarified that residents who witness dangerous riding on e-bikes should report it directly to the police, as the council does not have the legal powers to enforce traffic offences. The agreement with Lime and Forest introduces a compulsory bay-only parking model, requiring riders to begin and end their journeys in designated e-bike bays.

These bays will include physically marked spaces and virtual bays located at existing cycle stands. The council plans to monitor bay usage to prevent overcrowding and ensure cyclists can still access stands for their personal bikes.

E-bikes parked outside designated bays can be reported to the respective companies for removal. The council will also take action via the FixMyStreet app or the council website. E-bikes parked dangerously or not removed promptly may be seized, with the operators charged a fee for their return.

Councillor Laxmi Attawar also raised the issue of badly parked e-bikes with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, who confirmed that the agreement introduces a compulsory bay-only parking model.

The council reports that in the initial weeks since launching the scheme, they are seeing a significant improvement in parking behaviour across the borough. The council is carefully monitoring feedback and working proactively with the operators to make improvements and address issues as they arise.