Lime has exceeded agreed fleet limits in several London boroughs, according to analysis of app data from November 2025.
In Kensington and Chelsea, 1,440 bikes were available despite a 600 limit and Hackney recorded 2,440 bikes against a 1,500 cap, according to research carried out by The Times.
Islington has reportedly placed Lime on a ‘final warning’ after repeated breaches, and Ealing and Lewisham also reported instances where numbers surpassed locally agreed thresholds.
Because Lime is not required to hold formal contracts with councils, boroughs have limited powers to enforce caps.
Across London, daily availability peaked at 28,913 bikes during the month analysed.
A Lime spokesperson commented: 'These figures are not an accurate representation of our service in London. Naturally, our fleet levels fluctuate from day to day and borough to borough, based on rider demand and the journeys they are taking. We regularly share data with boroughs on how many of our bikes travel across their boundaries each day. We’re proud of the service we provide, which tens of thousands of Londoners rely on each day to get to work, visit friends and family, connect with public transport and much more.'
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: 'While the Mayor currently has no powers to regulate e-bike schemes, he welcomes Government plans to provide cities with the powers to manage dockless e-bike services as part of the English Devolution Bill. The Mayor has long called for these powers along with other cities across the country and will continue to work with partners across central and local government as these regulations are developed.'
