A new fleet of e-scooters has been launched as part of the hire trial running in Chelmsford. The blue scooters were unveiled as the popular hire scheme hit a landmark in the city – it recently celebrated its 300,000th hire since it started in February 2021.

The new fleet is provided by TIER, after it took over Spin, the previous provider.

Chelmsford City Council is taking part in the e-scooter hire trial with Essex County Council and TIER. The aim is to provide a safe way for people to travel, that reduces the number of short car journeys made. Only e-scooters hired through the trial are legal on Essex roads.

There are now over 300 e-scooters available, across a number of locations. You can find where the nearest e-scooter is by downloading the TIER app. Riders will have to re-register with TIER to be able to ride.

Keeping road users safe

The fleet consists of TIER’s latest e-scooters, with additional safety features such as indicators and updated brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions.

To hire a scooter, you need to:

• be 18 or over, and
• have a provisional or full driving licence

TIER will provide compulsory in-app training and safety advice before you can hire. This will include reading advice, completing some questions and watching a training video. You will have insurance through the trial.

Where to ride the e-scooters

There are regulations about where you can ride an e-scooter. Other rules to be aware of include parking the e-scooter.

You can ride an e-scooter:

• along cycle paths
• in parks
• in most places in the city

You cannot ride an e-scooter on:

• the pavement
• pedestrianised areas
• major roads over 30 mph

To make sure all road users are safe, there are some other areas where you are not allowed to ride. These are no-go zones. In the city centre they include:

• High Street
• Moulsham Street, from Parkway to Stone Bridge
• Cathedral grounds and Church Lane
• High Chelmer and The Meadows
• Springfield Road, from High Street to Bond Street
• Bell Meadow (pedestrian only path)
• Cannon Mews and Park Road (the pedestrian-only southern half)
• pedestrian-only paths in Central Park
•  

To make sure you are familiar with regulations please read the guidance on the Chelmsford City Council website.