New dockless electric bikes have been launched in London in a bid to give city-goers a 'more accessible and emission-free way to get around the city'.
Lime-E electric-assist bikes have been introduced to the London boroughs of Brent and Ealing with 1,000 of the distinctive lime green bicycles expected to be on the streets by the end of December.
The bikes will be GPS-enabled with an electric motor capable of reaching 23.9kmh thanks to its 250-watt motor and rechargeable lithium battery, although they will weigh in at a daunting 35kg which is a potential issue for a dockless bike.
The bikes will also contain a self-activating lock which can be unlocked by users downloading the accompanying app for the cost of £1. There will also be a 15p surcharge for every minute of use.
The California-based company also harbours plans to expand the project across the city with general manager of Lime UK, Jaanaki Momaya, commenting that 'We believe our emission-free, affordable, accessible and convenient e-bikes will revolutionise transport around London.'
This follows Lime Bikes first launch into the UK market in Milton Keynes last month.
Surprisingly, these dockless bikes have been backed by local councils with Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council and chair of London Council's transport and environment committee, labelling electric bikes as 'a vital part of our strategy for reducing emissions, improving air quality and protecting the environment.'
Dockless bike schemes in London have been historically regarded as a nuisance by local councils with persistent complaints of bikes blocking pathways and ending up in the front gardens of local residents. This even led to Wandsworth Council confiscating and impounding 130 oBikes in 2017 following a 'flood of complaints'.
Similar schemes to oBike such as Mobike and ofo Bikes have also caused problems in London with many often vandalised and stolen by petty criminals.
This new dockless bike project comes from large Californian start-up, Lime, which in its short history has become known for its dockless electric scooters which have been introduced across a number of cities in the USA and Europe.
With no presence in the UK due to driving laws currently preventing the scooters from being legal on public roads, residents of major cities across the continent, including the likes of Paris, Madrid and Prague, have become accustomed to this alternative method of travel.
The scooters have also been met with hostility in varying cities with Madrid recently revoking Lime's licence following the introduction of new mobility laws, with worries that users were riding the scooters in heavily-pedestrianised areas and on pavements.