Lime warns its rental e-bikes are 'not for jousting' after knights in armour duel before hundreds in Hackney

Artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew the First faced off in chainmail, lances raised, aboard the bright green bikes in London Fields. Carden had promoted the stunt in advance as a 'free public joust' and 'performance art'. His Instagram footage of the clash has now surpassed four million views. Lime urged anyone thinking of replicating it to resist, insisting 'safety must always come first'.

Lime said it appreciates the 'medieval spirit' but its bikes are built for getting around.

The firm added: 'We always love seeing Londoners come together.'

Hospitals are reporting a rise in casualties among both e-bike riders and pedestrians.