Two men dressed as medieval knights have turned London’s rental e-bikes into jousting horses. The company behind the bikes wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but that didn’t stop the riders from returning for another battle.
Artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew the First first faced off on October 17, 2026, in London Fields, a park in Hackney, England. Both wore armor and helmets as they rode bright green Lime bikes toward each other with long striped lances.
Hundreds gathered to watch the strange contest. Videos showed spectators chanting for the knights before one rider took a hit and fell from his bike. The footage soon drew millions of views online.
Lime responded with a warning that its bikes weren’t made for fighting medieval battles. But the riders had already found an audience, and on Halloween, they returned for a rematch that attracted an even larger crowd.
Not Built for Battle
The first joust was meant to be a free art show. Carden described the event as “performance art” in posts promoting the contest, according to the BBC.
Instead of horses, the two knights used Lime’s electric rental bikes. They wore chainmail and cloaks as they pedaled toward each other, trying to knock their opponent to the ground.
Lime had a fairly clear response.
“Lime bikes are designed for getting around the city, not for jousting,” a company spokesperson said.
The company also warned riders against copying the stunt because of the risk of injury. Still, the attention encouraged the organizers to plan another event.
Round Two
On October 31, the knights returned to London Fields for an event called “Lime Bike Jousting 2: No Horses, No Mercy.”
According to LBC’s firsthand coverage, more than 5,000 people had signed up to attend. Thousands came to the park, although the exact turnout wasn’t confirmed.
This time, the organizers had made a few changes. The lances had foam tips, and the bikes featured decorations inspired by the coverings worn by medieval horses.
The crowd made room for the two riders, who charged at one another across five rounds. Camtholomew landed the final blow, and the event ended with a rave.
Carden told LBC that the event offered an escape from spending time scrolling through screens. The organizers also said they had rejected offers for brand deals.
A Knight’s Approval
Despite Lime’s objections, an actual jousting expert came to the riders’ defense.
Andy Deane, captain of the Royal Armouries jousting team in Leeds, told ITV News that bicycle jousting counted as a legitimate form of the sport.
He explained that jousting has historically involved more than horses, including contests on boats and other unusual setups.
Deane also pointed out the risks. Falling badly from a horse or bicycle can cause injuries, even when riders wear armour.
Behind the Helmets
Speaking to the BBC after the Halloween event, the organizers explained that bringing people together was their main goal.
Camtholomew, whose real name is Cameron Carnegie-Brown, said they had planned separate areas for the riders and spectators. Stewards helped manage the crowd, and health professionals were available.
The second event also raised funds for five charities.
As for another rematch, Carden wasn’t making promises. Speaking with LBC, he suggested they might try something different rather than keep repeating the same stunt.