Published: Wednesday 13 May 2026
A new wheelchair-accessible bike is enabling inclusive cycling in West London thanks to a partnership led by Kensington and Chelsea Council, involving Bikeworks and e-bike provider Lime.
The initiative grew from the advocacy work of Theo, an electric wheelchair user who accesses the Council’s SEND services. Telling his concerns to the Council’s SEND participation team, Theo highlighted the accessibility challenges and exclusions that disabled people face.
The partnership applied for the London Cycling Campaign’s Share the Joy grant programme, part funded by Lime, which supports inclusive cycling projects across the capital. A £4,000 grant was successfully secured towards the purchase of a Velo Plus wheelchair bike. The Council’s Transport, Children’s Services and Public Health teams provided additional funding.
Watch on YouTube: Theo takes the first ever ride on the new accessible bike.
Cllr Emma Will, lead member for property, parks and leisure services, said: “This is yet another way this Council is making sure all our residents and service-users are included and can enjoy all that Kensington and Chelsea has to offer. From our campaigning to bring step-free access to South Kensington tube station, to investing in equipment to allow those in wheelchairs to enjoy the breeze of a bike ride, we continue to make sure that our borough and all of its amazing spaces are accessible to everyone.”
Hal Stevenson, director of policy for Lime in London, said: “Working with the Council to fund this accessible bike is exactly what the Share the Joy fund was set up achieve. We’re really proud of this partnership and getting more people enjoying going for a cycle.”
Simon, the all ability manager at Bikeworks said: “Bikeworks supports many activities including providing a selection of adapted bikes to bring the joy of cycling to those who might not ordinarily be able to due to their disability. The reaction you see when people use these bikes for the first time is the reason this job is so rewarding.”
The new accessible bike will allow for increased participation at Bikeworks’ All Ability Cycling Club at Little Wormwood Scrubs. This was previously only available through Bikeworks’ East London provision.