Bristol Live readers have been sharing their views on the news that E-scooter and e-bike prices have increased by over a third, just days following the CEO’s boast about affordability. The French mobility company Dott has bumped up the standard per-minute cost of using an e-scooter or e-bike from 16p to 22p, a hefty 37.5% increase and has also axed most budget-friendly passes.
The hike means that a one-off 15-minute ride on an e-scooter or e-bike will now set riders back £4.30, compared to the previous £3.40. This comes after Dott’s chief, Henri Moissinac, telling Bristol Live last week how residents could enjoy rides for just £1, saying the service is super affordable.
Dott has already been criticised for cutting the long-term user scheme, which allowed month-long e-scooter hires, and for removing discounts for key workers and NHS staff. Defending the move, a Dott spokesperson termed the hike a ‘pricing adjustment’, adding: “We’re always exploring new pricing options to ensure the service is both affordable and sustainable,” he said.
Commenter Spankthemonkey says: “Good! They are not wanted.” OJ009 agrees: “Good! Will hopefully be the start of the end.”
Covid-51 thinks: “Maybe it will get people using their legs for a change, and exercising.”
Kaylon64 replies: “I once saw a bloke wobbling along on an Escooter in Broadmead while his two mates were walking, he found it hard to go slow enough. I was tempted to ask why his legs weren’t working. Escooters, just transport for the effort-averse.”
RoytheRover100 says: “Ever since Tier/Dott took over the franchise I have seen a vast increase in so-called “illegal” Escooters being used, very often two up. These price rises will surely encourage this even more, I have yet to see a scooter rider looking safe and confident on these things very often ridden with a wobble and of course none of them wear protective gear. These being motorised vehicles and fairly closely related to motorcycles, surely there should be a law in which they have to wear at least a helmet?”
Kingswoodbiffo writes: “Get rid of them, they are totally unsuitable for city streets. The NHS has enough business and the police can’t do anything.”
Keefo28 thinks: “The law needs to change, why should it be ok to hire one but you can’t ride your own? Monopoly much?”
YosserBlues says: “Now they’ll know how it feels to be a car driver in Bristol, getting fleeced. Seems only fair. Next up, find a way to charge the cyclists.”
Katiem asks: “Any slight, remote chance that racks could be installed to stop scooters being shattered everywhere? Also stop two people using one scooter and stop pavement riding. WECA is not doing enough.”
Keith Parkins is not a fan: “Kick rental e-scooters and e-bikes off the streets. They are a nuisance for everyone. A hazard for pedestrians, the riders are a danger to themselves and others.”
Keither agrees: “Hopefully with their greed, people won’t use them, and they will shut down the whole scheme.”
Will the new price increases affect you? Do you think this is the end for Escooters in Bristol? Have your say in our comments section.