Lime and Forest e-bikes are extending into north London

As e-bikes take over the streets of central London, it’s easy to forget that they aren’t absolutely everywhere beyond zone two. But there are trials happening right now that could change that.

Haringey Council began an 18-month scheme with e-bike operators Lime and Forest back in March. Now, Enfield Council has agreed to allow the trial to be extended into its boundary, marking the first time in five years that a cycle hire scheme will run in the borough. 

E-bikes are set to be introduced to New Southgate, Bowes and Edmonton. Enfield Council itself hasn’t made a deal with e-bikes companies but it perceived the A406 North Circular Road as a more ‘natural boundary’ than the borough boundary. The council had made a deal with cycle hire firm Beryl Bikes back in 2019 but that was scrapped after just three months as a result of persistent vandalism. 

Of course, with ongoing frustration at the way e-bikes are carelessly abandoned on the pavement, there will be parking bays installed to keep streets clear and safe.

Cycle bays will be installed at ten locations within the three areas: Warwick Road, Evesham Road and Russell Road in New Southgate ward; Princes Avenue, Pasteur Gardens and Lister Gardens in Bowes ward; and Wilbury Way, Ladysmith Road, Leyburn Road and Somerset Road in Upper Edmonton ward.

The ‘micro-mobility’ racks will provide six to 12 parking bays for the e-bikes. Six of locations will require a permanent change to the resident permit bays currently in place. If approved, they’ll begin being installed around January or February 2025. 

TfL is spending £1 million on e-bike parking bays in London – and cracking down on dangerous parking. 

London is getting a new e-bike operator – and 20,000 more bikes on the streets. 

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