E-scooters could be made available for Portsmouth visitors to travel around the city

REACHING up to speeds of 15.5mph, visitors to Portsmouth may soon be able to nip about the city on hi-tech electric scooters.
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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 Berlin-based company set up by three entrepreneurs nearly two years, already has its e-scooters in 70 cities in nine counties, including in Paris, where it won the world’s biggest e-scooter tender with 5,000 of its vehicles being used over a two-year contract.

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Business editor Kimberley Barber riding an e-scooter from TIER UKBusiness editor Kimberley Barber riding an e-scooter from TIER UK
Business editor Kimberley Barber riding an e-scooter from TIER UK
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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.

Fred Jones, general manager of TIER UKFred Jones, general manager of TIER UK
Fred Jones, general manager of TIER UK
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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’.

TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth
TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth
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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.

TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth
TIER UK hope to bring e-scooters to Portsmouth

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO RIDE AN E-SCOOTER?

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

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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 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.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Fred Jones, general manager of TIER UKFred Jones, general manager of TIER UK
Fred Jones, general manager of TIER UK

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