News / Transport
Long-term e-scooter rentals paused after TIER merger
Long-term e-scooter renters have been asked to leave their vehicles outside their homes to be picked up as the scheme is immediately paused.
The curtailment comes as current operator TIER merges with Dott., with e-scooters and bikes available through the Dott app from Wednesday.
But Wednesday is also the day that the long-term e-scooter scheme will come to an end, with users only finding out in an email sent on Tuesday.
Other services associated with the newly merged Dott-TIER e-scooters and e-bikes will be running as per usual – photo: Karen Johnson
In an email from Dott seen by Bristol24/7, it said that “effective tomorrow” (Wednesday) the long-term rentals will be paused.
The email also read: “To ensure a smooth process, please place your scooter outside your home in a visible, accessible and non-obstructive location for pickup.
“In the coming days, you will be contacted again to arrange the collection of chargers.
“All subscriptions will be refunded, and upon successful collection of your scooter, we will provide promo codes for 30 days of free rides on TIER/Dott shared e-bike and e-scooter service.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know.”
Those in long-term rental contracts will have to soon park their e-scooter outside their homes to be collected by the TIER-Dott team – photo: Martin Booth
Long-term rental e-scooter user Brendan Murphy of BARBI Bristol told Bristol24/7: “The email does say pausing long term rentals but giving a one day notice to those that have paid their monthly subscription already is not great.
“It says the subscription would be refunded but no details of when.
“A lot of night workers, not just hospitality, rely on the long term rental scooters to get to and from work as they work 24 hours a day, rather than stopping between midnight and 6/7am as the hire scooters currently are.
“In addition purchasing minutes or using regular scooters is far more expensive – TIER had opted to continue the £40 a month long term rental scheme when they took over from Voi. It seems the contract is being changed again.
The Dott-TIER team have assured that the “safety and satisfaction” of their users remains their priority.
They said: “We are pausing the long-term e-scooter rental trial in the West of England as we evaluate the program’s outcomes.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our users, and we will keep the users informed of any future developments.
“Our West of England shared e-bike and e-scooter services will not be impacted and will continue to operate as usual.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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