Bikes 'not for jousting,' says Lime after duel video

Hundreds watch e-bike jousting in London Fields in Hackney, east London

E-bike rental company Lime has said its bikes are "not for jousting" after footage of two riders dressed as knights charging at each other in an east London park circulated over the weekend.

Hundreds of people congregated in London Fields, Hackney, to watch artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew the First joust, while riding the bright green rentable e-bikes.

The videos on social media showed them dressed as knights in armour, complete with chainmail and lances, attempting to knock each other off the bikes.

A spokesperson for the company said: "While we appreciate the medieval spirit, safety must always come first."

The crowd can be heard chanting "joust, joust, joust" before one of the men falls off after being jabbed

Ahead of the event, Carden said the "free public joust" was "performance art" in a post on social media.

A video on his Instagram account of the event has been watched more than four million times.

Despite their popularity, hospitals have reported an increase in injuries to both e-bike riders and pedestrians.

A spokesperson for Lime said on Monday: "We always love seeing Londoners come together and build a sense of community in unexpected ways.

"While we appreciate the medieval spirit, safety must always come first.

"Lime bikes are designed for getting around the city, not for jousting.

"We discourage anyone from attempting similar events, to help keep riders and those around them safe."

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