People living in Southwark can now sign up for cheaper e-bike trips after the council confirmed the details of a discounted fares agreement with operators Lime and Voi, Southwark News reports. The deal was first announced in the summer, and residents can now apply for the reduced rates.
Key points
- Lime cap — fares limited to £1.75 for a 20-minute ride when a journey starts in Southwark.
- How to qualify — a photo ID and a valid Southwark Presents library card, free from any of the borough's 12 libraries.
- Voi offer — a one-day, 30-minute bundle for £1.75, down 40% from the standard £2.99.
- Forest — not included yet, with the council still working on a similar arrangement for the new year.
The Lime discount runs through Lime Access and brings fares in line with a flat rate rather than pay-as-you-go pricing, which can reach £7 for the same 20-minute journey. To get the Voi deal, residents download the app, ask for the Voi4Southwark discount and show proof of residency.
Council leader James McAsh said the arrangements would help make the borough "affordable, safe and green" and cut emissions while supporting healthier lifestyles. He added that talks with Forest were ongoing and that the agreements would be monitored to check they work for local people. Lime's Alice Pleasant said the agreement would make shared e-bikes an easier choice for everyday journeys and reduce reliance on private cars, while Voi's Harry Foskin said the aim was to make sustainable transport accessible to everyone in the borough, not just those who can already afford it.
E-bike use in Southwark has risen by 356% over the past two years, with 8.2 million trips made in 2025. The council says this supports its Streets for People strategy by encouraging active travel and offering an efficient, cost-effective way to get around the capital.
What it means in practice
For Southwark residents who already cycle or are thinking about it, the savings are real but come with paperwork: you need the right cards and apps before the cheaper rate applies.
- Sort your library card — the free Southwark Presents card is the key to the Lime rate, so it is worth getting one before your first ride.
- Start in the borough — the Lime cap only applies to journeys that begin in Southwark, so plan where you pick up the bike.
- Expect Forest later — anyone loyal to Forest will have to wait, as no start date for its offer has been given.
