E-scooter and e-bike usage surges due to temporary closure of London Underground stations, says Lime 

Use of e-scooters and e-bikes has surged following the closure of London Underground stations, according to micromobility operator Lime. 

The shared mobility firm has revealed there has been a 113% increase in e-bike rides, and a 49% jump in e-scooter rides, following the close of the Northern Line in central London. 

Transport for London (TfL) has temporarily closed the busy underground line at four stations in the capital – Bank, London Bridge, Borough, and Elephant and Castle – to carry out work to improve capacity.

Following the closure of the Bank branch of the Northern Line, which came into effect in mid-January, Lime has seen a 162% jump in e-bike rides at Bank station, and a 135% increase at London Bridge. 

Alan Clarke, senior director of policy at Lime UK and Ireland said: “Many made the return to the office earlier this year only to be faced with the closure of the Bank branch. With commuters needing alternative ways to travel, we’ve seen significant increases in both Lime e-scooter and e-bike rides starting at underground stations that have been impacted by the suspended service. Lime e-bikes and e-scooters offer a great complement to public transport and it’s great news that this new data shows that many commuters are opting for an active and sustainable travel choice whilst disruption continues.” 

San Francisco, USA-based micromobility provider Lime currently operates as part of the e-scooter trial scheme in London, and also operates an e-bike scheme in the capital, along with a scheme in Milton Keynes.

High street retailer Halfords has also announced plans to help commuters affected by London travel disruptions, ahead of Transport for London strikes next week.

Halfords will be offering passengers the free use of an e-bike for the week to ensure they can reach their destination, as London rail workers are set to go on strike on Tuesday, 1st March, and Thursday, 3rd March. 

The offer will be available from all 25 Halfords stores in London, and commuters can enter their postcode into the e-bike trial finder to find their nearest store. A £101 deposit will be taken when the bike is collected, but will then be refunded when the bike is returned.

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Halfords cycling director Paul Tomlinson said: “The disruption to the TfL Tube lines caused by the impending strikes next week could lead to a lot of hassle for commuters travelling around the capital, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Why not take this opportunity to try out an e-bike, and discover just how fast, fun, and efficient this mode of transport really is.

“What’s more, with much of central London now well-served by safe cycling lanes, there has never been a better time to try something different to the traditional day-to-day mode of transport and see all the sights the capital has to offer above ground.”