Stolen Lime Bikes Become Unlikely Soundtrack of London Summers
📷 Image source: i.guim.co.uk
In the bustling streets of London, an unexpected sound has joined the chorus of urban life: the incessant beeping of stolen Lime bikes. What was once a nuisance confined to alleyways and parks has now become a defining feature of summer in the city. According to residents, the high-pitched alarms of these discarded or hijacked e-bikes have replaced birdsong in some neighborhoods, particularly in Hackney.
Lime, the micromobility company, has struggled to curb theft and vandalism of its bright green bikes. While the company employs GPS tracking and loud alarms to deter misuse, many bikes end up stripped of parts or tossed into canals. Local authorities report a spike in complaints, with some calling the phenomenon 'acoustic pollution.'
Other cities, like Berlin and Paris, have faced similar issues, as shared e-bikes flood urban centers. Experts suggest that better enforcement and public awareness could mitigate the problem. Meanwhile, for Londoners, the sound of a stolen Lime bike’s alarm has become an ironic marker of the season—a summer anthem no one asked for.
