Ebike Operator CEO Calls for Paris-Style Docking Stations to Curb London Parking Problems

Shared ebikes have become a significant part of London's transport network, according to Agustin Guilisasti, founder and CEO of London ebike operator Forest, writing in an opinion piece for The Guardian. He said the bikes now facilitate millions of journeys each month, with Forest recording 3 million rides in July alone, which he described as a new high for the company.

Guilisasti said demand for the bikes continues to rise, with operators reporting increasing ride-per-bike ratios, a metric used to measure how intensively bike fleets are utilized.

He argued that the growth of ebike usage benefits London by providing a cleaner and more sustainable transport option that reduces reliance on private car ownership. He pointed to new research indicating that air-quality improvements linked to London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) have contributed to better lung health among children, suggesting this underscores the value of reducing polluting journeys.

However, Guilisasti acknowledged that badly parked ebikes have become a persistent problem in London, cluttering pavements and public spaces. He pointed to Paris as a model for addressing this issue, noting that the French capital converted tens of thousands of on-street parking spaces into dedicated docking stations for shared bikes.

According to Guilisasti, this approach in Paris represented a fundamental shift in how the city allocates public space, prioritizing organized bike infrastructure over traditional vehicle parking. He suggested that London could adopt a similar strategy to manage the growing number of shared ebikes while reducing the parking-related complaints that have accompanied their rise in popularity.