E-scooter plan to cut pollution
Electric scooters will cut traffic
REACHING up to speeds of 15.5mph, visitors to Portsmouth may soon be able to nip about the city on hi-tech electric scooters.
One micro-mobility operator in particular is hoping to bring its fleet of e-scooters to the city – something it says will help cut pollution, improve traffic and even help stop the spread of Covid-19 by giving an extra travel choice.
TIER Mobility, a Berlinbased company set up by three entrepreneurs nearly two years ago, already has its e-scooters in 70 cities in nine countries, including Paris, where it won the world’s biggest e-scooter tender with 5,000 of its vehicles being used over a two-year contract.
Now, thanks to a £2bn push for local authorities to invest in greener travel from central government, it has set its sights on UK expansion, and has put in bids to operate in 10 major UK cities, including Portsmouth.
Fred Jones, general manager of TIER UK, said: ‘We are really looking forward to and excited by the prospect of bringing e-scooters to the streets of Portsmouth. Not only as a sustainable solution but also a fun way of getting around the city.’
The company’s e-scooter model runs via an app, similar to bike hire schemes in cities such as London, whereby stations are set up across a city. They allow customers to unlock a scooter and pay by the minute. The e-scooters feature swappable batteries , a foldable helmet, indicator lights on the steering bar and back fender and trackers to prevent crime.
They also have the largest front wheel in the industry, a wider foot plate, dual suspension, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions.
People must have a provisional or full driving licence to be able to ride the scooters, and they are automatically covered by the company’s insurance.
Currently, it is illegal to ride an e-scooter on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement. However, if the trial was given permission, the e-scooters would be allowed in cycle lanes and on pavements in certain areas.
Fred said: ‘Our research shows that a third of cars could be replaced by scooters. They could be a really important part of the transport mix in any city, and make the city a nicer place to live.’
He also said the scheme would work out ‘cheaper than the bus’.
A statement from Portsmouth City Council said it was considering proposals to run restricted scooter hire trials for a year.
It said: ‘As always Solent Transport are at the forefront of discussions on new technology and services that may benefit the Solent area and have been actively engaging in this process on behalf of our partner transport authorities.
‘At this time, potential plans are being formulated but no final decisions have been made.’
It said proposals for trials would be submitted to the Department for Transport and if approved, they would be subject to competition and approval process.
We are really excited by the prospect of bringing e-scooters to Portsmouth.
Fred Jones