Lime will face questions from councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting [Simon Lamrock]

HIRE bike company Lime has contacted schools to tell their pupils that hacking is illegal.

The firm, which is under fire for the number of green and white e-bikes and scooters dumped on pavements, said around 40 per cent of parking complaints came from people breaking into the system.

In a report for councillors ahead of an appearance before a cross-party scrutiny panel next week, the company added: “We have also reported a number of social media accounts promoting the ‘hack’ to local police and are working with relevant platforms to get videos removed.”

The New Journal reported in February how hackers were tapping into the mechanism.

Once this is done, however, the battery cannot be recharged and users can find their powerless vehicles hard to pedal – often leading to them being dumped outside of the controlled parking zones.

Lime’s report said: “We have already rolled out a retrofit to improve back wheel lock engagement, this has reduced hacked ride numbers but led to an increase in bikes being knocked over (following failed attempts).”

Lime has been summoned to explain what it is doing to keep roads and pavements clear by Labour councillor Awale Olad, the chair of Camden Council’s culture and environment committee. This follows numerous reports and social media pictures of obstructions.

The company launched a poster campaign with the slogan “park like your Gran is watching” and has a system of fines for users found not to be leaving the bikes in designated parking bays. Members can be banned from using the service if they receive five penalties.

“Lime has contacted more than 20 local London schools to remind pupils that vandalism of Lime vehicles is a criminal offence,” the report for councillors added.