Voi e-bike firm defies Ealing Council after losing contract

E-bike rental company Voi is continuing to operate in Ealing after the council awarded new contracts to rival firms Forest and Lime. Voi claims the council's informal procurement process lacks the legal standing to remove them from the west London borough.

Ealing Council opted for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process rather than a formal, often lengthy, procurement exercise. This approach is common among London boroughs while awaiting a proposed pan-London contract operated by Transport for London (TfL).

Voi, the only operator not to receive a new contract, has raised concerns with the council regarding the handling of the MOU process. A company spokesperson stated in a letter dated 24 April 2026 that the 'mini-procurement' exercise, lacking published scoring or clear criteria, was not a sound basis for operator exclusion.

The company proposed an alternative tiered model, similar to systems in Lambeth, which would allow all operators active at scale in London to operate within Ealing. Voi asserts it had the strongest compliance record in Ealing and shared live data with the council during the previous MOU term.

Voi maintains that its continued operation is justified as there is no statutory licensing regime requiring council permission for dockless e-bikes on public highways. They also argue that removing their service would deprive Ealing residents of the cheapest per-minute dockless e-bike rental in London. Voi charges 27p per minute with no unlock fee, compared to Lime and Forest's 33p per minute plus a £1 unlock fee.

Council's Enforcement Policy

An Ealing Council spokesperson confirmed that the council is following its e-bike enforcement policy, adopted in February 2026. This policy includes issuing fines and sanctions for obstructions on the public highway. The council stated it cannot comment on live discussions with operators.

While Forest and Lime are understood to be paying Ealing Council a contractual fee, Voi is operating without such a payment and continues to occupy e-bike parking spaces.

Voi has stated it would prefer to operate under a formal agreement, which would provide greater oversight for council officers and benefit the borough's finances. The company has written to the council three times with detailed concerns about the process, which it claims have not been acknowledged.