City of York greenlights e-scooter trial with Tier

The first e-scooters will be deployed at the University of York in a few weeks and discussions are taking place as to whether York Hospital will also be able to host the scheme.

The Department for Transport-approved scheme, will initially see up to 100 e-scooters deployed, with more e-scooters and Tier e-bikes to come.

Renting an e-scooter in York will cost riders £1 to unlock the vehicle and 15p per minute travelled.

After a competitive tender process involving over 15 other applicants, City of York Council selected Tier as sole operator because of the company’s approach to safety, ability to ensure orderly parking and its sustainability credentials. 

Tier scooters come with safety features including an integrated helmet, the largest front wheel in the market, a wider foot plate, dual suspension, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions. 

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport  at City of York Council, said: “This will provide a fantastic opportunity to explore how e-scooters might add to the mix of sustainable transport options, while helping to improve air quality and expand our electrical vehicle charging offer.

"The trial will also form part of the city’s Covid-19 response in terms of, for example, providing sustainable alternatives to support capacity on public transport across the city.

"Together we will ensure there are clear and effective channels of communication which are critically important to get early warning of any issues that need to be addressed, to assess the impact and to learn all the lessons from the trial.”