Voi remains in Ealing despite no new agreement. The company questions the council's choice

Ealing Council has chosen operators Forest and Lime to work with it, but Voi bikes can still be found in the borough. The company questions the selection procedure and does not intend to withdraw services. The dispute described on September 8 concerns the principles of operation of rental companies and control over bicycles left in public spaces.

According to an account by the Local Democracy Reporting Service published by Ealing Nub News, the council has entered into agreements known as Memoranda of Understanding with selected operators. Voi did not obtain a new agreement and accuses the office of lack of transparency in the selection criteria.

The company argues that the absence of such an agreement is not a sufficient basis to exclude it from Ealing. At the same time, it declares its readiness to conclude a formal agreement. This is the operator's position, not a court decision.

The Council responds that it follows the model adopted in many other London boroughs. It points to expected changes to licensing and a planned solution to cover London under TfL's supervision. The office also ensures that it takes action against blocking roads and sidewalks, in accordance with the policy adopted in February 2026. He does not comment on ongoing talks with operators. Source: Ealing Nub News / LDRS

For a resident, the dispute over agreements has a very specific dimension: the availability of a bicycle for a short trip and the ability to freely walk on the sidewalk. Both needs must be reconciled. An obstacle at a pedestrian crossing or on the route of a wheelchair user requires quick response, regardless of which company the vehicle belongs to.

The current Ealing Council website lists Lime and Forest as the main cycle operators. However, the office also provides instructions on how to report incorrectly parked bicycles to Voi. You can use the Voi form or write to support@voi.com.

Issues with Lime can be reported via in-app help by selecting incorrect parking, and in the case of Forest, via the incorrectly parked bike QR code on the vehicle. Ealing Council Instructions

When reporting, it is worth providing the exact location, bike number and attaching a photo showing the obstacle. Residents should not have to wait for the end of the dispute over the rules of cooperation to regain access to the sidewalk.