TIER, Europe’s largest shared micro-mobility operator, is launching 200 e-scooters in Braintree, marking the latest town to adopt a shared e-scooter system in the UK. 100 e-scooters will be made available for hire this weekend, with the opportunity to add more vehicles to the fleet in the future.
Before accessing the service, Braintree residents will need to download the TIER app and create an account. E-scooter riders must prove that they are over the age of 18 with a valid provisional or full driving licence and they must complete the in app safety school before their first journey. The TIER e-scooters must be ridden on the road, not on the pavement, and it is strictly against the terms of use for two people to ride an e-scooter at the same time. Users caught breaking TIER’s terms of use face being suspended from using the service.
The location of the e-scooters will be available in the app and users can start their ride by scanning a QR code on the scooter or by selecting their chosen e-scooter in the app. Scooters will cost £1 to unlock and then 18p per minute to ride.
Central Braintree will feature mandatory parking bays, visible in the TIER app, where users can end their rides. Outside of this area users will be able to park on the pavement, away from the kerb, not blocking the pavement, doors or stairways. Users can find out more about proper parking etiquette here.
Jessica Murphy, Head of Public Policy, UKI, commented: “Our aim is to provide the people of Braintree with a convenient and sustainable alternative to driving when making short trips in town. Shared e-scooters offer a convenient, zero-emission alternative to the car when you are popping to the shops, going to see friends or family, or even commuting. By reducing the number of car journeys made in Braintree we can ease congestion, improve air quality and make our streets more pleasant for everyone.”
Cllr Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: “We are looking forward to the introduction of shared e-scooters in Braintree town as part of this Essex County Council project. They are an easy to use and cost-effective sustainable mode of travel, which we hope will go some way to helping reduce traffic congestion and providing a real alternative to the car for short journeys in Braintree.”
