TIER unveils innovative feature to avoid drunk riding

Micro-mobility provider TIER has unveiled a new safety feature for its e-scooters, following recent research in Oslo, a core market for TIER, which found that four out of ten injuries on e-scooters emerge due to alcohol consumption. 

The safety feature, introduced as an in-app accuracy test, detects if a rider is drunk and points out alternative transportation methods instead of riding an e-scooter. Launched for Apple iOS users in some cities TIER is operating, the in-app safety feature was developed to address the behavioural changes of riders when alcohol is consumed. 

The test asks the drivers to match the angle of their phone with an angle displayed on the screen. If a rider fails to do this three times within a time frame, they will be encouraged to use an alternative method of transport. The innovative safety feature is complemented by an application, which will direct riders to book a taxi if they confirm they are not able to ride an e-scooter.

The Safety Pricing feature further encourages riders in London through the Free Now application to take a taxi while drunk, as they are not charged when vehicles are stationary during trips.

Kate Barnes, Head of Safety and Inclusion at TIER said: “The safety of our riders and other road users is always our number one priority at TIER. By working with behavioural experts, our new in-app test provides yet another way to help riders stay safe.”

Advancing safety features 

In March, TIER announced the acquisition of US-based Fantasmo to improve driving safety and comfort in its e-scooters and apply the Camera Positioning System (CPS) to offer a ten times more accurate parking system than GPS. To bolster this technology, aimed at improving city compliance with e-scooters, TIER is preparing 3D maps of major cities it's operating in, beginning with a 2,500 km map of Paris. 

The company is also developing a computer-vision-based driver assistance technology to detect traffic violations and collisions. The in-app accuracy test to detect drunk riding aims to strengthen the safe of TIER e-scooters, which also include tangible safety features such as indicator lights, shock absorbers and a large front wheel.

TIER is continuing its expansion in the EMEA region with the recent acquisitions of micro-mobility operator Spin, bike-share company nextbike and Hungary-based technology agency Makery. 

If you want to learn more about new mobility trends that drive Gen Z to green transportation options, join the Smart Mobility Institute 2022 in September. Register here! 

Image courtesy of TIER.