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Rental bike rider damaged your taxi? LTDA reveal the crucial photograph drivers must take before the bike disappears
Taxi drivers whose vehicles are damaged by rental bicycle users are being advised to gather evidence at the scene, with the bike’s identifying number likely to be central to tracing the rider and pursuing a claim.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), said drivers should photograph the taxi and bicycle in their original positions, the rider, the damage and, crucially, the rental bike’s identification number.
The location of that number differs between operators. On a Lime bike it can be found on the handlebars, while Forest places it on the frame immediately above the battery. On a Voi rental bike, the number is displayed on the frame beside the rear wheel.
Drivers should also preserve dashcam footage, obtain contact details from independent witnesses and record the time and precise location of the incident. Photographs should include wider views of the scene as well as close-up images of the damage and bike number.
The advice follows reports to the LTDA of taxis being scratched, dented or otherwise damaged by riders using dockless rental bicycles. McNamara warned drivers against confronting riders after one LTDA member became involved in a scuffle and was arrested for assault, while the rider was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Where somebody is injured, the rider refuses to provide details or leaves the scene, or an offence is suspected, drivers should contact the police. The Metropolitan Police says collisions should be reported when details cannot be exchanged, somebody has been injured or a road offence may have been committed. Non-emergency reports can be made online or through 101, while 999 should be used where there is an immediate danger.
The incident should also be reported promptly to the taxi driver’s insurer, even if the driver intends to seek recovery from the rider or bike operator. Drivers should avoid authorising repairs until the insurer has assessed the damage or confirmed what evidence it requires.
Lime operates a support request system and provides third-party liability insurance that can cover property damage caused during the use of one of its vehicles, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions. Its customer support service is available around the clock.
Forest incidents can be raised through the operator’s website or app. Drivers should supply the bike identification number, location, photographs and any police reference number.
The bike number may allow an operator to identify whether a legitimate hire was active at the relevant time. However, recovery can become more difficult where a bike has been stolen, used outside an active rental or ridden by an unidentified person, making evidence gathered at the scene particularly important.
