Tier, one of London’s e-scooter operators, has teamed up with the Bikeworks social enterprise to offer free e-scooter safety training sessions across the capital. The two-hour sessions are available to anyone and will be led by qualified Bikeability instructors.
Training sessions will initially be rolled out in Ealing, North Kensington and Hammersmith & Fulham with plans to later extend sessions to other boroughs participating in London’s e-scooter trials, such as Richmond and Lambeth.
Those taking part will be taught how to safely use an e-scooter on roads and bike lanes, as well as how to use the various features of the Tier e-scooters and the associated app. Those who undergo training will receive free ride credit on their accounts.
With privately-owned e-scooters still currently illegal on public roads, the operator is also encouraging people to trade in their own e-scooters for recycling in exchange for ride credit.
The government has pushed back a decision on altering the legal status of e-scooters until at least March of next year.
Fred Jones, Regional General Manager for Northern Europe at Tier, said: “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.
“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.”
Jim Blakemore, the co-founder and CEO of Bikeworks, added: "Our partnership with Tier is a key opportunity to reshape how people travel in cities like London, beyond reducing emissions.
“Developing a national standard for e-scooter training, as an extension to our Bikeability adult and school cycle training, is an important opportunity, enabling us to provide the skills based training for people to ride e-scooters safely on the UK's roads.”
Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Too many short journeys are made by car, adding to congestion, air pollution and contributing to climate change. Along with walking, cycling and public transport, e-scooters offer a viable alternative and are a great way to help people ditch their cars for those short journeys.
“This scheme will not only ensure people already riding e-scooters do so safely, it will also help give people who are yet to give them a go the confidence to try them out. We hope to see similar schemes in other trial areas soon.”
The two-hour training sessions are being held once or twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays throughout August and September.
You can sign up through Bikeworks’ booking page.
