How Lime Bikes Power Study Away in London
By Anli Ren (11/20/25) — London, UK
When you arrive in London, everyone talks about the red buses and the famous tube, but they never tell you about what really stands out, a real defining feature of London: Lime bikes, scattered all over the city. You’ll see them piled up against brick walls, resting in parks, or popping up outside the NYU London academic center.
They look harmless, like little bikes, just quiet, green, and actually really cute. But as soon as you get on, something changes. Suddenly, you end up ringing your bell at innocent pedestrians and passing cars with a level of confidence you probably should not be allowed to have.
Lime bikers on their daily commute.
Yet beneath it all, Lime is actually a fascinating example of how easily sustainability can become integrated into daily life. Lime’s bikes are so easy to use; they are pay-as-you-go, have GPS, and are charged and moved overnight. The company has set a CO₂ reduction goal, which the Science-Based Targets Initiative has approved. Lime's electric bikes, E-scooters, offices, and warehouses are all powered with 100% renewable energy.
I spoke with Chanika, an NYU London student who bikes to the academic center every day. “Honestly,” Chanika says, “I don’t bike because I care about saving the planet, I'm not really thinking about that, I just sleep too long and need to get to class on time.” She laughs while adding, “It’s cheap, and I really need that cause sometimes it feels like London is taking all my money.” A Lime bike ride costs only £0.15/min for classic bikes or £0.27/min for e‑bikes, which makes it a great budget-friendly option.
Like many students, her schedule is all about convenience and cost. “I love that I can literally unlock a bike wherever I am,” she says, and when she gets to school, she drops it off right by the academic center, costing her a total of 3 pounds, making it the perfect trip.
Inside the Lime Bike app.
Still, even if people aren’t thinking about the environment, there’s always an eco bonus. Lime bikes create about 75% less carbon than taking a car for the same trip, and every ride means fewer cars on the road, even if most riders just want to get somewhere faster.
What I love most is that the sustainability part just happens naturally. When I'm racing to get to school, I’m somehow also helping the planet. That’s why Lime works. Sustainability doesn’t feel like a chore, but just picking the faster, more fun option.
For us students here, we've completely adopted the bikes into our study abroad experience. Every single person has their own Lime Bike story. For me, I don't think I've ever felt more like a Londoner with the wind blowing in my hair, cruising my bike through the traffic. I'm going the wrong way, breaking 10 road rules at once, and almost hitting pedestrians and cars, but at least I am helping the planet. But honestly, I think it’s something everyone should try… just, maybe, wear a helmet.
