Residents have 'had enough' of abandoned e-bikes

E-bikes being dumped miles from Nottingham city centre are both ugly and dangerous, according to some affected residents.

The hire vehicles are operated by US company Lime and in theory should not operate outside a designated area, with a system of fines in place for those who do not follow the rules.

But bikes have been found in surrounding areas including Gedling, Lady Bay, Arnold and Colwick, with some left on public footpaths and outside homes.

Complaints include vandalised machines with wires exposed and pedestrians having to step into the road to avoid discarded bikes.

Concern has previously been raised that the bikes can be "hacked" allowing them to be used - and then dumped - with no way of tracing offenders.

Declan Anthony, 26, from Arnold, said: "They're absolutely everywhere, if you're walking and there's one laying there, then you have to go around it onto the road which can be dangerous.

"I've seen some of the stripped ones, but they make that horrible beeping sound, I don't know how they get away with riding them and then leaving them there."

David Pearson, from Colwick, felt the e-bikes did not belong in more residential areas.

"People just seem to dump them wherever they like around here," the 72-year-old said.

"Some of them I've seen having been stripped down with wires hanging out.

"You don't expect to see hired bikes around here for a start, they should be policed properly and left in the right areas, if not then charge them."

Mike Adams, a Gedling borough councillor, said the abandoned bikes look untidy and their lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk.

"They're just left everywhere we need to find a way of resolving this problem long term, the fining system is ineffective," he said.

"They have to find a way of immobilising these bikes so once they get out of their area, they stop working.

"No ability to pedal, wheels locked and they have to be immovable to solve this problem."

Mr Adams said the council was working with Lime to find a long term solution.

A Lime spokesperson said: "We have a number of measures in place to effectively manage inconsiderately parked bikes in the Nottingham area.

"These include: GPS-based no parking zones and mandatory end trip photos to help review rider parking.

"We encourage the public to report any incidents of misparked bikes - including time and location - so we can take swift action.

"We're continuing to work closely with Nottingham City Council and the relevant authorities to ensure our service remains safe and accessible for everyone."

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