Dara Ó Briain has criticised the chaotic situation created by conflicting e-bike policies between neighbouring London boroughs, with the comedian highlighting the absurdity of incompatible licensing decisions.
The television presenter took to social media on Sunday to express his frustration after Hounslow Council prohibited Lime bikes while permitting operators Forest and Voi.
Meanwhile, adjacent borough Richmond maintains the opposite arrangement, allowing only Lime bikes within its boundaries.
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Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Ó Briain said: "So every bridge is Checkpoint Charlie, with loads of Lime bikes parked on one side and loads of Forest and Voi on the other. Top work everyone!"
The comedian fumed over e-bikes being left piled up across London and unable to work in different areas
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The conflicting regulations have created significant disruption at borough boundaries, with rental bikes accumulating on both sides of bridges connecting the two councils.
The situation has effectively transformed crossing points between the boroughs into what the comedian likened to Cold War-era border checkpoints.
Rental bikes from different operators pile up at each boundary, unable to proceed further due to geofencing technology.
When questioned about what occurs if someone attempts to cross borough boundaries on an unauthorised bike, Mr Ó Briain confirmed that "the bike stops" - a feature designed to enforce the licensing restrictions but creating practical difficulties for users.
The comedian slammed e-bike rules, which means certain bikes only work in select boroughs
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The incompatible systems mean that Hounslow residents cannot use Lime bikes, while Richmond residents are barred from using Forest or Voi services.
This has resulted in large numbers of abandoned rental bikes accumulating at bridges and other crossing points, as users are forced to abandon their journeys mid-route.
Fellow comedian Al Murray corroborated the scale of the problem, observing "a slab of Limes going north" at Chiswick Bridge on Sunday.
The geofencing technology that enforces these restrictions means rental bikes automatically stop working when they reach borough boundaries. This has led to mounting concerns about pavement obstruction as users have no choice but to abandon their vehicles at these invisible borders.
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Councillor Alexander Ehmann for St Margaret's and North Twickenham responded to Mr Ó Briain's criticism, clarifying that Richmond had limited influence over the situation.
He explained that Hounslow had recently switched from Lime to alternative providers, while Richmond would review its own licensing arrangements later this year.
Mr Ehmann acknowledged that while bikes cannot cross boundaries, parking restrictions alone cannot prevent the accumulation of abandoned vehicles at border areas. When another social media user suggested people should simply use traditional bicycles instead, Mr Ó Briain defended the role of e-bikes in urban transport.
"People use rental bikes for different journeys than when they would use their own bikes, and their being electric opens them out to people who might not otherwise cycle at all," he responded.
E-bikes have been growing in popularity across London | PAThe comedian also rejected criticism that e-bikes promote laziness, arguing they serve different purposes and expand cycling accessibility to those who might otherwise avoid it. Another user supported this view, highlighting the risk of bicycle theft in London as a deterrent to owning personal bikes.
The exchange revealed broader tensions around sustainable transport options, with Mr Ó Briain advocating for inclusive solutions rather than dismissing electric alternatives.
Similar problems have emerged elsewhere, with one social media commentator noting comparable issues in Manchester, where e-scooters lose power mid-journey when crossing between Manchester and Salford.
Mr Ó Briain clarified he didn't blame Richmond or Ealing for the situation, placing responsibility squarely on Hounslow's decision to switch providers.