Lime has been commended by Hampstead Heath chiefs after introducing technology to prevent cyclists from speeding and abandoning bikes on the famous north London green space.
The e-bike operator implemented updates to its geofencing system last August following an agreement with the City of London Corporation. The changes came after reports of bikes being ridden at excessive speeds, used in areas where cycling is prohibited, and left strewn across the Heath.
According to officials, three key measures were introduced. The geofence – a virtual perimeter covering the Heath – now ensures Lime’s pedal-assist feature only works on permitted cycling routes and limits speeds to 12 miles per hour. The system also prevents users from ending their journeys and abandoning bikes on the site.
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, said the changes “have made a positive difference” and thanked Lime for its cooperation.
“We contacted Lime last year after reports of their bikes being ridden very fast, ridden in areas where cycling is not permitted and abandoned on the Heath,” Alderman Jones stated. “The changes they have agreed, which have already been implemented, have made a positive difference in terms of addressing all of these issues.”
Mr Bill LoSasso, Superintendent of the North London Open Spaces, confirmed that Lime bikes can still be used as ordinary bicycles without pedal-assist anywhere on the Heath. “These new improvements, however, are welcomed by Officers working on the Heath, who report improvements in the experience of Lime bike use on the Heath,” he wrote.
The intervention comes amid growing complaints from Londoners about poorly behaved cyclists and abandoned e-bikes, forcing action from local authorities. The City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath as a registered charity, has been exploring measures to tackle cycling offences including the running of red lights.
Officers are now engaging with other e-bike companies to implement similar technological improvements. Further measures planned for the Heath include traffic calming initiatives and the recruitment of three new Constables to boost enforcement.
Alderman Jones added: “However, these measures won’t address use of the Lime bikes as ordinary cycles, and we would urge people to be considerate of other Heath users and the sensitive ecosystem of the Heath, by cycling responsibly and only in permitted areas.”
Recent Transport for London data revealed a “cycling boom” since the COVID pandemic, with daily journeys increasing by 12.7 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.
