Shared micromobility operator TIER has partnered with cycling social enterprise Bikeworks to offer free e-scooter safety training sessions across London.
The sessions will initially be hosted in Ealing, North Kensington and Hammersmith & Fulham, and are available to all members of the public.
Each session will last two hours and will be held up to twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays throughout August and September, with plans to expand to other boroughs participating in London’s e-scooter trial.
Led by fully qualified instructors trained by Bikeability, the Department for Transports national cycle training provider, participants will be taught how to safely use an e-scooter on roads and cycle lanes, as well as how to use an array of smart features found on TIER e-scooters and in the TIER app.
These sessions will also provide an opportunity for those with private e-scooters, which are illegal for use on public roads, to learn more about the rental scheme.
TIER will be encouraging private users to consider trading in their vehicles to be recycled or repurposed through the operator in exchange for a ride credit.
Users can sign up directly through Bikeworks’ booking page or scan the QR code on one of TIER’s promotional leaflets.
“E-scooters are an affordable and sustainable way of travelling around the city and these sessions will allow those thinking about riding one to learn and build their confidence in a safe environment, whilst earning free rides on our service,” said Fred Jones, Regional General Manager for Northern Europe at TIER.
“We understand that these are relatively new modes of transport for UK cities, so we want to go back to basics and show riders and other members of the public how e-scooters should be used safely. We look forward to working with Bikeworks to expand our training sessions across London in the near future.”
TIER is one of three operators that was chosen for the London trials by TfL alongside Lime and Dott back in May.
On the topic of improving rider safety, Lime Director, Policy & Government Affairs, for Northern Europe Alan Clarke told Zag: “Lime has consistently invested in rider education across its global markets, including its e-scooter and e-bike services in the UK.
“Lime understands the importance of rider education and providing riders with the resources they need to ride safely and regularly host in person ‘First Ride’ training events, to provide users with a safe and secure environment to learn the rules of riding with Lime.
“Lime has also developed its virtual e-scooter driving school in partnership with the AA, ‘Learn to Lime UK’, aimed at providing UK users with all the resources they need to ride safely with Lime and park responsibly.”
