With the UK about to bake in yet another heatwave, you might be tempted to ditch your usual commute in favour of a ride on a Lime bike.
But a new study will make you think twice before hiring one out.
Experts from Initial Washroom Hygiene have revealed that e-bike handlebars are ‘riddled’ with germs.
The team carried out swab tests on 50 Lime bikes across various central London locations between June 30 and July 14.
The tests revealed high levels of biological residue from skin cells, sweat, saliva, food residue – and in some cases, faecal matter.
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovations Manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, said: ‘As more people use shared transport and spend time eating outdoors during the summer, it’s worth remembering that germs are invisible and high levels of biological contamination can be found on everyday touchpoints that many of us rarely think about.
‘While ATP testing doesn’t identify specific bacteria or viruses, it does highlight where biological contamination is present.
‘Good hand hygiene remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help reduce the spread of germs, particularly before eating or sharing food.’
With the UK about to bake in yet another heatwave, you might be tempted to ditch your usual commute in favour of a ride on a Lime bike. But a new study will make you think twice before hiring one out
Since its 2018 launch, Lime has surged in popularity in London, with millions of people hiring e-bikes to travel around the city.
However, until now, just how dirty these bikes are has remained a mystery.
To get to the bottom of it, scientists from Initial Washroom Hygiene used ATP swabs and an ATP bioluminescence reader to measure biological activity on 50 e-bike handlebars.
ATP tests are widely used in hospitals and the food industry to assess how clean a surface is.
While they don’t identify specific bacteria or viruses present, they can indicate when biological residue is left behind by everyday contact.
The test results revealed an average level of 1,563 units – more than triple the level that experts consider high.
Meanwhile, one bike clocked in at 7,123 units, indicating extremely high levels of contamination.
Mr Woodhall highlights a separate study from the British Toilet Association, which found that the number of public toilets has reduced by 40 per cent since 2000.
The news will come as no surprise to many riders, who often take to social media to discuss their dirty Lime bikes
He explained: ‘Many people have fewer opportunities to wash their hands while out and about.
‘Carrying hand sanitiser and following a few simple hygiene precautions can help people enjoy summer activities with greater peace of mind.’
The news will come as no surprise to many riders, who often take to social media to discuss their dirty Lime bikes.
One user shared a video of a filthy Lime bike on TikTok, venting: ‘@Lime PLEASE TELL ME YOU JET WASH YOUR BIKES.’
Another said: ‘I’ve had to put Dettol antibacterial wipes in my pouch just for lime bikes.’
And one joked: ‘Getting a new, clean e-bike is like a blessing from the gods!’
The Daily Mail has contacted Lime for comment.
Beyond their cleanliness, doctors have also raised concerns about the safety of Lime bikes.
Dr Suhail Hussain, a healthcare expert and private GP, said: ‘As a GP with 20 years of experience, I often see traffic related injuries and recently I’ve noticed a real increase in patients presenting with injuries sustained from them.
‘They’re a practical option, but they deserve far more respect than most new riders give them.
‘E-bike injuries are consistently more serious than people expect.
‘The most frequent things I see are fractures particularly to the wrist, collarbone, and leg, along with head and facial injuries.’
