Lime bikes have become a staple in London offering affordable and eco-friendly transportation.
If you've ever ridden a Lime bike or walked past one, you may have noticed a distinct clicking sound.
The noise has become so common that it’s officially become London’s soundtrack. But why do they make this noise?
Why do Lime Bikes click?
If you've ever heard a Lime bike making a repeated clicking sound while someone pushes or pedals it, you might be witnessing something more than just a noisy ride — it could be a sign of theft or tampering.
The clicking indicates that the bike is being used without being properly unlocked. In other words, someone has managed to ride it without making a payment.
Lime bikes are designed with smart security features that resist unauthorised use, and one of the key indicators that something’s wrong is that distinct clicking sound coming from the rear wheel.
Reddit threads and TikToks demonstrate how some people simply jump on and cycle away after lifting the back wheel and pushing it to fool the system.
When the bike isn’t unlocked properly through the app, the rear wheel is still locked. Trying to move it forcibly causes the mechanism to "slip" or click, similar to a ratchet.
While Lime bikes don’t (yet) have loud anti-theft alarms like car horns, the clicking serves as a passive deterrent.
What to do if you see someone who is using a stolen lime bike?
You can report suspicious or stolen activity directly in the Lime app or through their support channels.
How to use the Lime app to report stolen activity
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
Select Help > Report an Issue.
Choose “Report a vehicle issue” or “Report suspicious activity”.
Include: The bike or scooter ID number (usually printed on the frame) The location A brief description (e.g., “Person riding a bike with broken lock”)
However, if you believe a crime is actively taking place, for example, the person is damaging the bike or using tools to break locks, you can report it to the police or local authorities.
This is also suggested if the Lime bike is being vandalised or dumped.
In terms of what not to do, don’t try to take the bike back or follow the person. Don’t photograph people without understanding local privacy laws.
More importantly avoid confronting or accusing the person — they may not react well, and it’s not your responsibility to intervene physically.
