TIER launches 100 e-bikes in Colchester for longer journeys

10 Jul TIER launches 100 e-bikes in Colchester for longer journeys

TIER, the world’s largest shared micro-mobility operator, has announced it is launching 100 e-bikes in Colchester to support demand for longer journeys in the city.

The e-bikes are being introduced in addition to the existing fleet of e-scooters operated by TIER. TIER’s e-bikes support micro-mobility users who want to travel further with a longer battery range and with a higher top speed of 15 mph, compared to 12.5mph for e-scooters. The e-bikes also feature front mounted baskets which riders can use to hold a bag while travelling and a smartphone holder which provides wireless charging. Riding one of the e-bikes is like riding a normal bike. The rider must pedal, and the electric motor assists the rider until the bike reaches its top speed. The motor then stops providing assistance until the bikes speed drops below 15 mph again.

The bikes are all equipped with front and rear brakes, always on front and rear lights and a bell for safety. Users are encouraged to wear a helmet when riding a TIER e-bike or e-scooter and must ride either vehicle on the road or in a cycle lane. Pavement riding is against TIER’s terms of service, users caught doing so face being banned from the service.

To use an e-bike, users can scan the QR code on the smartphone holder or locate the bike in the TIER app. Once unlocked users need to remove the rear wheel lock and insert it into the slot on top of the rear mudguard. When ending a ride users can deploy the kickstand, insert the lock into the rear wheel and then end their ride in the TIER app. Users pay £1 to unlock the e-bike and then 21p a minute during their journey.

Users must park the e-bikes in one of the parking bays, which can be found in the app marked by a white ‘P’ in a blue circle. Users will be unable to end their ride outside of a parking bay in the marked area in the centre of Colchester. Outside of this area rides not ended in a parking bay will incur a fee. For more information on how to park safely please see our video jointly created with Sight Loss Councils, highlighting how poorly parked e-bikes impact visually impaired and blind people.

Del O’Sullivan, Regional Operations Manager, TIER, commented: “It is great to be able to expand the range of shared vehicles we offer in Colchester with the introduction of our e-bikes. We find that e-bikes are often used differently to e-scooters, with riders choosing them for longer journeys, thanks to the seat, and for journeys where they are carrying more items with them thanks to the basket. E-bikes are great for people who want to incorporate a bit more activity into their journeys, but as the motor assists pedalling you don’t work up a sweat getting to your destination.”

Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Colchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment and Sustainability said: “The introduction of these new e-bikes is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation solutions and a greener future for the city.

“As the demand for eco-friendly alternatives continues to rise, the e-bikes will offer an affordable and convenient mode of transportation for individuals who need to travel longer distances within the city.

“This initiative not only promotes the accessibility and convenience of cycling as a practical solution but also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. By choosing to ride an e-bike, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.

“TIER’s new e-bikes align with Colchester’s vision of becoming a sustainable city by promoting convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation options. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, it is essential to embrace innovative solutions like e-bikes that can help us achieve our goals.”