Micromobility provider Tier has announced its next-generation e-scooter will arrive on London streets this month, with the aim of boosting safety and accessibility.
The new model has features to support safety and inclusivity, especially for those affected by sight loss. This includes more Tier colouring making the scooter easier to identify, a bright light, and upgraded indicators offering 360° visibility. These features will work to enhance rider visibility to other road users when signalling their direction of travel. Other features include three independent brakes, grippy handlebars and wider, larger tyres.
Tier said its e-scooters already have sector-leading features to support safety, including a very large front wheel, a wider foot plate, dual suspension, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions.
The introduction of the advanced model follows the partnership with University College London research facility PEARL to develop a ‘universal sound’ for e-scooters to alert pedestrians and other roads users of their approach. The new model will allow Tier to test the sound solution on the street, as part of a collaborative project with all London operators, and will follow planned extensive engagement with disability experts, including one of the UK’s leading visual impairment charities, Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Jacqui Thomas, engagement manager at the Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “It is clear Tier is listening to the concerns raised by pedestrians who are blind and partially sighted and is working to address these and further improve safety.
“As a Londoner navigating the streets with a visual impairment I have been concerned about the visibility of e-scooters, however, Tier’s newest e-scooter model has greater visibility than before, with recognisable and contrasting colours, and their ID plates continuing to display black text against a bright yellow background at the front and rear. Contact information to report irresponsible behaviour or faults is clearly displayed in white on a black background too.”
This latest e-scooter model will replace Tier’s current UK fleet – which will be used in other markets, in line with Tier’s commitment to sustainability, as the company continues to grow its footprint across Europe.
