English (US) Deutsch Deutsch (Österreich) Suomi Français 日本語 Nederlands (België) Nederlands (Nederland)

Articles in this section

Switzerland: Using TIER e-scooters

Avatar
Whim Customer Care
  • Updated
Follow

 

Note: If you are using TIER e-scooters directly from the TIER app, please contact their customer service directly via email to support@tier.app

Overview

With Whim you can use shared TIER electric charged scooters in Basel, Bern, St. Gallen, Winterthur, Zug and Zürich. This article explains the following:

Guide to Using TIER e-scooters

Picking up a TIER e-scooter

TIER e-scooters are available every day from 00:00 to 24:00 in Basel, Bern, St. Gallen, Winterthur, Zug and Zürich. To be able to use the TIER e-Scooter:

  1. Choose Scooters from the section in the Home View of the app.

Fig. 1. Whim Home view

  1. You can see available TIER e-scooters and their locations in the Whim app.
  2. Before unlocking the e-scooter take a look at the safety instructions shown in the app.
  3. You can either:
    • Point your camera at the QR code (Fig. 1) on the e-scooter's handlebar to unlock it. 
    • You can also type in the e-scooter ID to unlock the e-scooter.
    • If you have trouble scanning/reading the QR code, you can use the in-app flashlight function.
    • Unlock the scooter by tapping "Scan QR Code". 

Fig. 2. TIER e-scooter QR Code.

  • Or  Unlock the e-scooter by selecting an e-scooter on the map and tapping "unlock e-scooter".
    • This function lets you unlock the e-scooter from up to 400m away.
    • Your ride will start immediately after tapping "unlock e-scooter".
    • If you are more than 400 m away from the e-scooter, a window, saying that you should move closer to the e-scooter, will pop up on your screen. 
    • Whim shows you the location of the e-scooter on the map, but if you can’t find it, you can choose the “bell” function from the app. The e-scooter will make a ringing/beeping sound so it is easier for you to locate it. 
  1. After unlocking/scanning the QR code Whim asks you to confirm the booking. 
    • Once your e-scooter is unlocked, its lights and the display turn on. 
    • Start rolling!

 

Start Riding

  • To start moving, first, place one foot on the board and then use your other foot to push the e-scooter forward (2-3 times) in order to pick up speed.
  • Once rolling, put both feet on the footboard and press the acceleration lever on the right side of the handlebar. This will start the electric motor.

Fig. 3. TIER e-scooter acceleration lever

During the Ride

  • By pressing the right lever (Fig. 3), you can accelerate and control the speed of your e-scooter. 
  • To slow down your e-scooter, you can either use the handbrake on the left side of the handlebar (Fig. 4), or by pressing the foot brake in the back of the e-scooter.
    • The latest models of TIER e-scooters have the hand brake whereas the older models have the foot brake.

 

Fig. 4. TIER e-scooter hand brake

  • Do not exceed the local speed regulations of 18-25 km/h. 
  • Pay attention to traffic and respect local traffic laws.
  • A little speedometer on the handlebar shows you the battery condition of the scooter as well as the speed. 
  • In Whim you can see the duration of your current ride as well as the price. You can also see the e-scooter ID and the battery level. 
  • Find out about reduced speed zones, no parking zones, and outside-operating area by tapping the zones on the map. 
  • You can ride your scooter within the permitted TIER business zone during the regular operating hours.

Ending Your Ride

  • Make sure you are inside the permitted TIER business zone, this is the white area on the map. 
  • Check that you are not standing in no parking zones. These are the red areas on the map.
  • Once you’ve found a suitable parking spot for your e-scooter (public and accessible to everyone), open Whim and tap “End ride”.
    • The parking spot doesn’t block public paths, driveways or building entrances.
    • Whim shows you the details of your ride.

How to Report a Problem with Your e-scooter

  • If you have any problems with the e-scooter, please contact TIER
    • via phone: + 41435051462 (08:00 - 20:00) and have e-scooter ID handy
    • via email to support@TIER.app (include your e-scooter ID in the email)
    • or via webform here and have e-scooter ID handy
  • Or contact Whim customer care via in-app Help Center.

Rider Requirements

In order to be able to use TIER e-scooters in Basel, Bern, St. Gallen, Winterthur, Zug and Zürich, you must fulfill the following rider requirements:

  • You must be 18 years or older
  • You are also required to have experience or minimum skills with driving VMPs (vehicle for personal mobility) and to be familiar with the operation and the safe handling of VMPs.
  • Have to have a minimum of knowledge of driving and the local traffic regulations. 
  • For your own safety we recommend always wearing a helmet when riding a TIER. Depending on your local traffic laws, helmets might be mandatory.
  • Have accepted General Terms that include the Special Terms and appendices.
  • See section 11.7 of https://www.TIER.app/terms-conditions/ for more info.

Pricing for Whim Users

  • Activation fee: 1 CHF 
  • Minute price: 0.4 CHF

*Minute price subject to change by TIER.

Possible Extra Fees:

  • For driving without a confirmed or valid rental contract or for transferring the access data to another user: 270 CHF
  • For loss or all repair fees incurred due to the fault of the user: arising expenses depending on the amount billed
  • For additional costs incurred due to the fault of the user (e.g. Towing / picking up the vehicle etc.): arising expenses depending on the amount billed
  • For parking an e-scooter at not publicly accessible locations: 54 CHF
  • For moving an illegally parked e-scooter: 54 CHF
  • For picking up an e-scooter outside the business zones: 54 CHF

Questions and Answers

Can I pay for my TIER e-scooter trip using in-app credit?

Yes, paying for your trip with in-app credit is possible, if you have enough in-app credit on your Whim account to cover the whole cost of the trip. If you do not have enough in-app credit to cover the cost of the whole trip, the price of the trip will be charged from the payment card registered to your Whim profile.

Are TIER e-scooters available all year round?

Yes, TIER e-scooters are available all year round. However, e-scooter availability is weather dependent and to ensure your safety TIER may take the scooters off road temporarily, when the weather conditions are challenging (e.g. snow or icy conditions).

 

Do I need to have a driver’s license to use a TIER e-scooter?

In Switzerland, you do not need to have a driver’s license in order to drive a TIER e-scooter. However, you are required to have minimum driving skills and knowledge of local traffic rules and regulations. 

Is there an age limit to use a TIER e-scooter?

Yes, you need to be 18 years old in order to drive a TIER e-scooter in Switzerland. 

Does TIER provide insurance for using an e-scooter?

Yes, TIER provides legal liability insurance for the user. 

Can I rent a TIER e-scooter for my friend?

Unfortunately, renting a TIER e-scooter for a friend is not possible at the moment. In order to rent a TIER e-scooter, you need to use your personal user account. Renting an e-scooter for someone else with your own account may result in a penalty fee of 270 CHF.  

Do I need to wear a helmet when using a TIER e-scooter?

For your own safety, we highly recommend wearing a helmet while using a TIER e-scooter. 

Is there a time limit for using a TIER e-scooter?

You can ride your TIER as far and long as you want to – as long as you end your ride within the permitted TIER zones. 

Where can I park a TIER e-scooter?

You can park your e-scooter in the permitted TIER business zones, which is shown in the app. You are not allowed to park your e-scooter in the red areas shown in the map and you must ensure the parked e-scooter will not block any public paths, roads or entrances to buildings.

Fig. 5. Zone colors and their meaning 

Related articles

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.