A driver is at a loss after a parked e-bike damaged their car on a Sydney street.
A driver is at a loss after a parked e-bike damaged their car on a Sydney street.
The motorist parked their vehicle on a street in the city's west this month and returned to find the Lime bike resting against their car.
The driver contacted the bike sharing company to lodge a complaint.
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Lime told the driver the company did not contribute to the incident and this was instead the result of "actions by third parties or environmental factors".
The driver posted a screenshot of the reply from Lime after the company reviewed their case.
"We're truly sorry to hear about this unfortunate situation," the screenshot said.
"After carefully reviewing the details, it appears that no action by Lime contributed to this incident.
"Instead, this incident resulted from actions by third parties or environmental factors."
The company recommended the driver reach out to their insurance provider to explore potential options under their policy.
Nine.com.au has contacted Lime for comment.
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The driver took to social media to share their frustration.
"Today I learned Lime won't take any responsibility if a badly parked Lime bike damages your car," the driver said.
"Why are they allowed to park blocking footpaths again?"
As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, what can you actually do if an e-bike damages your car?
What are your rights if an e-bike damages your car?
University of Technology Sydney legal academic Julian Dight said the relationship between a bike sharing company and the hirer of an e-bike is known as a bailor and bailee relationship or a "bailment for reward".
This means there is a temporary transfer of possession of goods from one party to another for payment.
"The hirer pays a fee to hire the e-bike," Dight said.
"On its face one could argue that the hirer of the e-bike was negligent in allowing the e-bike they hired to fall onto the vehicle causing the plaintiff's vehicle damage.
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"Even though Lime Pty Ltd was the owner of the e-bike, they were not responsible for such damage unless the plaintiff or the hirer of the e-bike could show that the e-bike was not fit for purpose or was faulty in some way causing damage to the vehicle.
"The last person to hire the e-bike is responsible for putting the bike back in its place on the allotted spot in an orderly fashion.
"If anything, the previous hirer is liable for the damage to the car, not Lime."
However there are other factors that can lead to damage.
"A gusterly could have also pushed the bike onto the car causing damage," Dight said.
What are your options if your car is damaged?
If your parked car is damaged due to an e-bike, Dight said the first step is to contact your insurer.
"No current law would provide a remedy to this car owner," he said.
Insurance companies can offer advice on the next steps for motorists to take.
What should e-bike riders do at the end of a ride?
Each bike sharing company has their own rules for its users.
According to the Lime website, riders should park in designated areas without blocking access to walkways and roads.
The bikes must be upright and with the kickstand down.
The bikes should not block pedestrian pathways, building entrances or driveways.
Riders must also take care to park according to the city rules.
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