West Country rollout of new e-scooter operator continues in Bristol
TIER-operated e-scooters were piloted in Bath last month, and from tomorrow, they will completely replace them in Bristol too
From Saturday (14 October), the famous red e-scooters in Bristol will be no more, as the rollout of a brand-new operator continues across the West Country.
Earlier this year, the West of England Combined Authority announced it awarded the new contract of the e-scooter trial to a German company called TIER, replacing Voi, which has been the sole operator of the scheme since it launched back in 2020.
Once the roll-out has been completed, 4,000 two-wheelers will be on the West Country's roads, and will join a new fleet of 1,500 pedal-only e-bikes, as well as 20 e-cargo bikes, which are hoped to be used by local businesses.
It's part of WECA's plans to rebrand the scheme as 'WESTscoot', with the new contract hoped to bring in an extra £9.7 million to the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and B&NES economy over the next four years alone.
This extra cash is promised to be ring-fenced on local public transport services.
In a bid to improve safety on our paths, it was also promised back in June that Tier would be addressing parking concerns by installing 100 new e-scooter parking racks.
It's now crunch time for TIER, now their rollout has begun in Bath - and is now reaching the city of Bristol.
TIER is Europe’s largest shared micro-mobility provider and will start its roll-out of e-scooters in Bristol on Saturday, initially with 2,000, before increasing that number to 4,000 'over time'.
Jessica Murphy, Head of Public Policy, UK, TIER, commented: “Bristol is an incredible example of how to positively integrate shared micro-mobility into a busy city. Its uniquely hilly geography and its size make it a perfect match for our vehicles, helping people get around quickly and sustainably without need to drive.
"We are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to serve the people of Bristol and to expand the fleet with e-bikes and cargo bikes very soon.”
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, added: “I am looking forward to welcoming TIER to Bristol and working with them to build on the huge success of Bristol’s e-scooter trial, including on issues of safety and parking.
"Expanding the service to include e-bikes will mean even more people can access sustainable transport easily across our city, helping towards our net zero ambition and adding to the 10 million rides already taken in Bristol since the start of the scheme.”
Users will need to download the TIER app and create an account and prove they are over the age of 18 with a valid full or provisional driving licence, with the e-scooters and e-bikes costing 99p to unlock and then 16p per minute.
Today also marks the launch of the Long Term Rental by TIER service through which Bristol and Bath residents will have access to their own e-scooter, supplied by TIER, for a monthly fee of £40.
TIER say there are a number of concessions for people, including university staff and students, Blue Light Card holders, and those on income support or Universal Credit.
To use a TIER cargo bike users must be over 18 and will need to download the nextbike by TIER app.
Read more: WESTscoot: new provider for e-scooters in the West of England revealed
Read more: New e-bike scheme to be rolled out in Bath