Lime Bikes

West Midlands Police: Safe and Legal Use of Lime Bikes in Wolverhampton City Centre

West Midlands Police is reminding residents, commuters and visitors of the importance of using Lime bikes safely and responsibly throughout Wolverhampton City Centre.

Lime bikes offer a convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel around the city. However, all riders have a responsibility to follow the law, respect other road users and ensure the safety of pedestrians in busy public areas.

What Is a Lime Bike?

Lime bikes are electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). Under UK law, EAPCs can be ridden without a driving licence, vehicle tax or insurance, provided they meet the legal requirements for electric bicycles. Riders must be aged 18 or over.

Where Can Lime Bikes Be Ridden?

Lime bikes can be ridden on roads, cycle lanes and cycle routes where conventional bicycles are permitted.

They must not be ridden on pavements unless clearly marked as shared-use cycling facilities. Riding on footways can put pedestrians at risk and may result in enforcement action where appropriate. EAPCs may be used anywhere a standard bicycle is legally permitted but cannot be ridden on pavements.

Riding Responsibly in Wolverhampton City Centre

Wolverhampton City Centre is a busy environment with significant pedestrian activity throughout the day. Riders are expected to:

Ride at a safe and appropriate speed.

Give priority to pedestrians in shared spaces.

Obey all traffic signs, road markings and signals.

Remain aware of vulnerable road users.

Avoid riding through crowded pedestrian areas.

Refrain from using mobile phones while cycling.

Show courtesy and consideration to other city centre users.

Safe riding helps create a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses across the city centre.

Parking Your Lime Bike

When ending a journey, riders should park only in approved locations and ensure their bike does not obstruct public spaces.

Bikes should never be left:

Across pavements or footpaths.

In front of entrances or exits.

On dropped kerbs or pedestrian crossings.

In locations that obstruct wheelchair users, pushchairs or visually impaired pedestrians.

Poorly parked bikes can create hazards for members of the public and may lead to penalties from the operator. West Midlands Police has highlighted concerns about inappropriate parking and pavement obstruction caused by cycles and e-bikes.

Illegal Modifications

West Midlands Police continues to take action against illegally modified electric bikes.

To remain classed as an EAPC, an electric bike must:

Have functioning pedals.

Have a motor with a continuous rated output of no more than 250 watts.

Stop providing electrical assistance above 15.5mph (25km/h).

If a bike exceeds these limits or has been modified, it may be classified as a moped or motorcycle and require registration, taxation, insurance and a valid driving licence. Failure to comply may result in prosecution and seizure of the vehicle.

Enforcement and Public Safety

West Midlands Police regularly conducts operations across the region to tackle dangerous riding, antisocial behaviour and illegally modified electric bikes.

Officers will continue to take action where riders place members of the public at risk, particularly in busy pedestrian areas. Public safety remains the priority, and enforcement activity is aimed at ensuring that city centres remain safe and accessible for everyone.

Our Message

Lime bikes provide a valuable transport option for Wolverhampton and support cleaner, more sustainable travel. By riding responsibly, following the law and parking considerately, users can help keep Wolverhampton City Centre safe, accessible and welcoming for all.

West Midlands Police encourages all riders to familiarise themselves with the rules before travelling and to play their part in creating a safer city centre for everyone.

We have been confidently advised by LIME that if we are to see any individual under the age of 18 using these bicycles or anyone using them in a manner that causes Anti-Social Behaviour, dates and times along with CCTV footage of these occurrences can be sent to Lime by West Midlands Police and the associated individuals will have their accounts blocked.