New firm’s in charge of city e-scooter fleet

A new company has taken over the provision of shared micromobility services in Bath, with a new colour and branding for e-scooters across the city.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) announced in June that it had awarded a new contract to German company Tier, replacing Voi which has operated the scheme since it began in 2020. E-scooters across the city are currently transitioning to Tier’s green branding, replacing Voi’s coral colour. There are also new e-bikes joining the fleet. Some of these will be “e-cargo” bikes, which are longer than standard bikes and feature a large container on the front.

Across the Weca region, the new fleet will consist of 4,000 Westscoot e-scooters, 1,500 Westbike e-bikes and 20 Westcargo e-cargo bikes. Weca Metro mayor Dan Norris previously revealed the contract with Tier would bring in an estimated £9.7million to the Weca region over four years, the money ring-fenced for public transport.

The new contract also includes 100 new e-scooter parking racks across the region and stricter requirements to keep vehicles parked within designated bays and agreed numbers. Tier could be fined if parking problems continue.

Mr Norris said: “Westscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe. But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it’s vital these bright green electric Westscoot, Westbike and Westcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region, for they’re an important means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up if they choose.”