Bristol e-scooters to get new operator - and this time they’ll be green

A new operator will take over Bristol’s e-scooter scheme from the autumn and the familiar red vehicles will turn green in the process. E-scooters have become a familiar sight on streets across the West of England with over six million journeys made since 2020.

Now it can be revealed that the region’s e-scooters are changing provider and colour - from coral to green - and will be branded WESTscoot from the autumn.

In light of the success of e-scooters in the region, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has negotiated a brand-new contract with a different provider - TIER - that will take over the running of the scooters. It comes after several issues with the current Voi, with concerns previously raised over parking and fire risk associated with e-scooter batteries.

The new contract will bring an estimated £9.7 million to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority over four years. Other benefits for residents include clauses in the contract to addres thes parking concerns, and 100 brand-new e-scooter parking racks to help keep the fleet tidy. Alongside 4,000 WESTscoot e-scooters, there will, for the first time, be 1,500 new pedal-only e-bikes and 20 e-cargo bikes.

Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England, said: “WESTscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe. But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot, WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region, for they are an important means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up completely if they should so choose.

“TIER are extremely keen to do a great job for our brilliant region and I’m pleased about their green credentials as the first micro-mobility company to be fully climate-neutral.”

Fred Jones, TIER Vice President in Northern Europe, said: “I believe with WESTscoot, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is setting out an important example of how shared electric personal vehicles and existing public transport options can work together to reduce carbon emissions and congestion in our urban centres.

“The expansion of the service to include e-bikes and e-cargo bikes makes it easier for the people of West of England to choose to leave their car at home and pick the perfect vehicle for their journey, whether that is commuting, going to see friends or even doing the weekly shop.

“We are proud to have been selected as the operator for this UK-leading flagship service and look forward to the full launch this autumn.”

Swedish firm Voi, the existing West of England operator, will continue to run the current e-scooter until the autumn when the new TIER service takes over.