Hounslow selects Forest and Voi as new e-bike operators.
Hounslow Council has appointed two new operators, Forest and Voi, to deliver exclusively its e-bike service for residents. Both contracts began on Monday 11th August 2025.
Hounslow are the first London borough to transition away from Lime following a fair, competitive procurement process based on pricing, safety and resident satisfaction.
There are currently over 250 designated e-bike parking bays across the borough, and the Council is reviewing its enforcement procedures to maintain clear pavements and discourage poor parking behaviour.
Since the e-bike scheme began in 2023, over 1.7 million e-bike trips have been made in Hounslow. In June 2025 alone, there were over 127,000 trips and nearly 30,000 active users.
This next chapter will ensure residents still enjoy a range of active transport options.
Benefits of the updated scheme:
Lower prices: special discounts for residents, low-income users and local businesses. Under the last scheme, 81% of users said that the pricing was too expensive, with many non-users citing cost as a barrier to uptake.
Better parking: advanced technology and stricter enforcement so bikes stay in their bays.
Safety: Moderated speeds and new safety incentives
More choice: lighter models and trialling e-bikes with cargo baskets or child seats
Accessibility: 24/7 customer support
Community first: we’re working with community organisations and local apprenticeships.
No more clicking: neither Forest nor Voi have experienced hacking of their e-bikes to date in their current operating areas.
Monitoring of performance and resident feedback will continue to ensure the scheme delivers long-term value and supports sustainable transport across the borough.
Council Leader, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, commented:
“We’ve listened to the concerns of residents, and we’ve acted on those concerns.
“Our competitive procurement process was crafted to ensure the best possible operators were selected. Our assessment criteria included affordability, improved operations (including parking compliance) and community benefit.
“Our new, stronger contracts will see neighbourhoods benefit from better compliance and enforcement, with users enjoying a more accessible and affordable service.
“We’re not interested in apportioning blame, but in doing better for our borough. We would like to thank Lime for helping to increase cycling here in Hounslow.
“It is now time to open the next chapter in our green transition – one that sees more competitive pricing, greater accessibility and uptake, as well as cleaner, tidier streets.”
Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, added:
“This is about progress – a step forward for sustainable transport in Hounslow. Our new providers are contractually accountable, locally engaged and ready to help us meet our clean air and transport goals.
“Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or riding for fun, this change makes it easier and more affordable than ever to choose greener transport in Hounslow.”