WHAT’S IT LIKE TO RIDE AN E-SCOOTER?

REPORTER Kimberley Barber took one out for a spin. Here’s what she thought…

The first thing that struck me about TIER’s e-scooters is their size. As I watched

Fred Jones from TIER struggle to take it out of the back of his car, it was also clear to see that these scooters are heavy too. These are no flimsy toy scooters that you normally see little kids flying about on. These are serious scooters – and they certainly mean business.

I unfolded the helmet (again much sturdier than you’d expect from a foldable helmet), popped my phone in its phone holder, and gave it a go. With a quick tutorial on the brakes and accelerator, I was ready to speed off into the distance. With one great push, and a press of the accelerator, I was off. It takes a few attempts to get used to the power, as these scooters can pack a punch, but once you’re on, and both feet are on board, it’s pretty easy sailing.

A couple of laps of the track at Swanmore Recreation Park (thank you to Swanmore Parish Council for the permission to ride on their land) and I was hooked. Admittedly they wouldn’t be much cop around country lanes, but what a fun and exciting way they’d be to get around the city. I know just how great it can be to whizz past the stationary traffic in Portsmouth thanks to the years spent riding my bike around, and this would take it to a new level. I could imagine flying along the seafront, nipping into Southsea for a spot of lunch, before zooming up to Gunwharf Quays and past the Historic Dockyard home. What a wonderful way to travel – and anything that reduces pollution and congestion in Portsmouth gets a thumbs up from me. Let’s hope Portsmouth City Council can see the benefits, too.