A woman in her late 60s is still seeking compensation three years after a catastrophic collision with a child riding a Lime electric bike in central London. Jane Ouartsi sustained a fractured collarbone, two spinal fractures, and a badly broken femur that necessitated three surgical procedures. She spent 36 days in hospital and endured an 18-month period learning to walk again, an ordeal that has profoundly altered her life.
The incident occurred on a Friday evening in early August three years ago as Ouartsi walked across a pedestrianised square with her partner, Dave Mathias. CCTV footage, which Mathias has reviewed repeatedly, shows a young rider, believed to be around 10 years old, speeding across the square and striking Ouartsi. She described the impact as feeling like her "spine and body split," believing her life was over at that moment.
Despite the severity of her injuries and the clear evidence of the collision, Lime, the e-bike rental company, has not provided compensation to Ouartsi or Mathias. Their attempts to engage with the company regarding accountability and to advocate for measures to prevent illegal underage use of the bikes have reportedly gone unanswered. The footage of the collision recently gained significant traction online, sparking public discussion about the growing presence and perceived lack of regulation surrounding e-bikes in the capital.
Ouartsi, a retired Marks & Spencer shop worker, recounted the extensive rehabilitation she underwent. For a year after being discharged, she was unable to access her upstairs bedroom or bathroom, requiring a single bed and commode in her sitting room. Her partner, Mathias, a joiner, took an extended leave from work to assist her recovery, installing grab handles to aid her mobility. She continues to rely on a walking stick and remains fearful of falling, a stark contrast to her previous active life that included regular travel to Scotland.
Medical staff who treated Ouartsi noted an increase in severe e-bike related injuries, describing them as a significant drain on hospital resources. Ouartsi is now calling for companies to reconsider the weight and speed of their electric bicycles and for the introduction of stringent penalties for individuals who ride irresponsibly. Her experience highlights a broader public concern regarding the safety and regulation of e-bikes, particularly concerning underage riders and adherence to traffic laws.