Tier announces UK’s first e-scooter training specifically for women 

Micromobility operator Tier has announced free e-scooter training sessions for women, in a UK first.

The new masterclasses, being offered in partnership with cycling social enterprise Bikeworks, are designed to get more people using electric scooters as a sustainable mode of transport.

The training sessions, taking place across London from 14th May, will build on a comprehensive training programme launched by Tier and Bikeworks last summer. 

Georgia Yexley, general manager for Tier, UK and Ireland said: “E-scooters are a convenient and sustainable way of travelling around the city and we want to ensure that there are no barriers to their use. From our research, we know that the majority of women believe training will improve how safe they feel and these bespoke sessions for women will be an important step to encourage their confidence, both when riding an e-scooter and generally travelling around the city. Transport operators have a fundamental responsibility to help women be and feel safe when travelling, at all times of the day. ” 

The women’s-specific sessions have been developed by female members of staff at Tier and Bikeworks, with input from Transport for London, to take into consideration the barriers that women face when travelling.

Sessions will be delivered by women and will see small groups tutored on e-scooter riding. 

Recent research from Tier found that only 21% of women feel safe travelling at night in UK cities, and around half of women are afraid of being followed. 

The training will also look at how the transport system can be made more accessible and inclusive, based on women’s experiences.  

Jim Blakemore, founder and CEO of Bikeworks CIC said: “Bikeworks are delighted to be working with Tier and starting a new season of on and off-road e-scooter skills training to the public, particularly the new dedicated sessions for women, to help encourage more people to take-up this new and sustainable mode of transport. The London e-scooter trial and wider micro-mobility sector is growing so quickly, and ensuring the public feel confident in using new forms of transport is central to Bikeworks’ training provision.” 

Read more: Tier introduces upgraded e-scooters in London to boost safety and accessibility 

Jillian Kowalchuk, founder and CEO of Safe & the City said: “We’re proud to partner with mobility leaders like Tier to evidence changes needed to improve women’s safety and adoption of new forms of micro-mobility. Offering a dedicated training programme for women to learn, connect with other riders, and practice while engaging them in the solution to improve the wider transport system is a crucial step in reducing barriers and building innovative safety solutions. We celebrate their partnership announcement with Bikeworks CIC and commitment to change mobility for good.”