EMBARGOED UNTIL 29TH July 0001
29th July, Milton Keynes: The world’s leading micro-mobility operator, TIER, has taken the reins on e-scooter trial operations in Milton Keynes from Spin, following its acquisition of the Ford-owned company earlier this year.
TIER’s e-scooters will join two other existing operators on Milton Keynes’ streets as part of Department for Transport trials in partnership with Milton Keynes Council. TIER will be rolling out a 500-strong fleet of its latest e-scooter model, which will provide the residents with a convenient and green alternative transport option to help cut local congestion and pollution.
Spin’s operations in Milton Keynes began in August 2020 with an initial fleet of 300 e-scooters. This has now grown to around 900 across all operators with hundreds of thousands of journeys being made. Riders are able to use the vehicles on 250km of the traffic-free Redway routes, as well as on minor estate roads.
Riders in Milton Keynes will now get to enjoy TIER’s industry-leading vehicle safety features, which include 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. TIER’s e-scooters also include swappable battery technology, meaning the city will now benefit from a more sustainable operating model that reduces congestion and pollution when re-charging the e-scooters.
TIER’s new e-scooter model is the most environmentally-friendly to date – emitting 80% less carbon dioxide than a private car over its lifecycle. The model also has several features to make it safer for pedestrians with sight loss, and other road users generally, with brighter lights and upgraded indicators offering 360° visibility. Other upgraded features include three independent brakes and enhanced handlebar grips.
TIER, which also operates the Santander Cycles MK rental scheme through its nextbike brand as well as e-scooter and e-bike schemes in the UK and Ireland, has been a climate-neutral company since early 2020. The operator’s founding purpose is to tackle climate change by getting people out of cars and onto greener, shared modes of transport. TIER’s CEO and co-founder Lawrence Leuschner has even donated his entire stake in the business to sustainability causes from which he will not financially benefit.
Since launching in the UK, the company has worked closely with Local Authorities and disability groups to understand concerns about e-scooters and act on these, ensuring that the vehicles are safe and inclusive for all. This includes TIER’s work with world-leading researchers at University College London to pioneer a distinctive and audible e-scooter warning alert for pedestrians.
Georgia Yexley, General Manager for UK & Ireland said:
“We’re really excited to build on Spin’s excellent reputation established in the area, working in collaboration with their team and the council to deliver a safe, green transport option for residents and visitors.
“Working together, we hope the scheme can continue to reduce pollution and encourage public transport uptake in the area, in line with Milton Keynes’ ambitions to become a leading green city.”
