A passionate cyclist from London is pursuing legal action against micromobility giant Lime, alleging a defective e-bike caused a horrific crash that left him with life-changing injuries.
The 'Slow Motion' Crash That Changed Everything
William Radford, 27, was using a rented Lime e-bike for a shopping trip in September last year when the incident occurred on Garrett Lane in Earlsfield. The council manager claims the rear wheel of the electric bicycle suddenly skidded out from under him as he applied the brakes to avoid pedestrians.
"It was like in slow motion. The sound, snap and then the pain," William recounted. "It was so bad I would score it 100 out of 100." The sound he heard was his right leg breaking in four places, an injury he described as his leg being "snapped like a twig".
Life-Altering Injuries and a Long Road to Recovery
The consequences of the fall were severe. The 35kg bike frame, which is substantially heavier than a standard bicycle, toppled onto him, compounding the injury. Medical staff at St George's Hospital reportedly told him the trauma could have been fatal, as the fractures were dangerously close to his femoral artery.
William underwent a four-hour surgery where a steel rod and pins were inserted into his leg. He spent a week in hospital and then faced four gruelling months learning to walk again with crutches. A year on, despite intensive physiotherapy, he still limps and can no longer run, cycle with friends, or kick a football—a significant blow for the Chelsea FC season ticket holder.
"My leg is never going to be the same," he said. "It has really shrunk my world... It's going to hurt in the cold and winter and my limp will come and go."
A Growing Pattern of Claims Against Lime
William's case is not isolated. His solicitor, e-bike specialist Michael Hardacre, has submitted a formal letter of claim to Lime, stating the firm has a duty of care to ensure its bikes are safe. William's lawsuit is one of at least 12 being pursued by users in London who claim they sustained serious injuries on Lime's e-bikes.
This aligns with concerning data: reports suggest the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel treated 150 incidents involving these bikes in just a six-month period. William alleges Lime's response to his accident was inadequate, offering only a refund for the hire despite receiving his X-rays.
"Lime have robbed me of a year of my life," William stated. "They should take responsibility as I feel it's the design with the heavy frame that is causing serious injuries like mine." He warned it is "only a matter of time before someone with a similar injury dies" if a major artery is severed.
A Lime spokesperson responded: "We are actively engaging with the solicitors involved. We are unable to comment any further as this is an ongoing claims process."
