Germany Safety School
The safety school consists of five parts.
These simple guidelines make your ride safer and smarter. In each section you will find a summary of tips, tricks and best practices from TIER experts. Work your way through each section before taking our quiz!
Traffic rules and regulations
Traffic
When riding an e-scooter or e-bike you need to follow the same traffic rules as all other road users. You can be fined and risk losing your driving licence if you break the rules. Only ride on the road or in designated cycle lanes. Riding on the sidewalk is forbidden.
Speed
The maximum speed limit for e-scooters is 20kph and there is no general speed limit for e-bikes. Remember that you are responsible for adjusting the speed as required. All road users need to drive with foresight, consideration and respect.
Driving licence / Age limit
You must be 18 to rent a TIER e-scooter or e-bike in Germany. You do not need to have a driving licence to hire a TIER e-bike or e-scooter.
Parking
Parking is permitted on suitable sidewalks, bicycle parking spaces and in designated parking bays - depending on local regulations. You always have to park responsibly, respectfully and in consideration of pedestrians and other road users. Never block pavements, bike lanes or crossroads. TIER recommends to park in designated parking spots where available.
Helmets
We encourage you to always wear a helmet
Drink and ride
TIER strictly advices to not drink and ride. For e-scooters, the limit is 0.5 promille. For e-bikes, the limit is 1.6 promille. Be aware that the limit is much lower if your driving behavior is conspicuous or if you are involved in an accident. For novice drivers an alcohol ban applies. Fines for drink-driving can exceed €1,500 and you could risk losing access to your TIER account and lose your driving licence.
How to ride an e-scooter safely
Know the rules
Before hopping on an e-scooter, it is essential to understand the specific laws and regulations governing their use in your area. Familiarise yourself with local rules, like designated areas to park your vehicle or areas where your are not allowed to drive (i.e. pedestrian areas). TIER supports you with localised info screens via our app.
Pre-ride inspection
Perform a quick pre-ride inspection of your e-scooter to ensure it is in proper working order. Check the tyres for any signs of damage or low pressure, ensure the brakes are responsive, and verify that all lights and signals are functioning correctly
Check your surroundings
Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings while riding. Scan the road ahead, anticipate potential hazards, and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles sharing the road. Avoid using headphones or engaging in any activities that may distract your attention from the road.
Observe the rules of the road
Treat your e-scooter like any other road vehicle and adhere to traffic rules and signals. Observe speed limits, stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians at crossings, and use hand signals, or the built-in indicator signals, to indicate turns or stops. Being a responsible rider contributes to overall road safety and fosters harmony with other road users.
Keep a safe distance
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially larger ones, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic. Be cautious when passing parked cars to avoid sudden door openings and maintain a slower speed in crowded or busy areas
Be respectful
Pedestrians always have the right of way, so be respectful. Slow down when approaching crowded areas, and you should never ride on pavements or in pedestrian zones. Always give pedestrians sufficient space and use your bell when necessary
Watch the weather
Be mindful of weather conditions. Weather conditions can significantly affect the safety of riding an e-scooter. Exercise caution when riding in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, as these conditions can reduce visibility and make the road surface slippery. Adjust your speed accordingly and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
Park responsibly
When you reach your destination, park your e-scooter responsibly. Avoid obstructing pedestrian walkways, entrances, tactile floor guidance systems or wheelchair ramps. Look for designated parking areas, bike racks, or other appropriate spaces. By parking responsibly, you contribute to a more organised and accessible environment for everyone
Tandem riding
Tandem riding - or two people riding a scooter - is incredibly dangerous and strictly forbidden. You could risk losing access to your account if you are found to be tandem riding.
How to ride an e-bike safely
Know the rules
Before hopping on an e-bike, it is essential to understand the specific laws and regulations governing their use in your area. Familiarise yourself with local rules, like designated areas to park your vehicle or areas where your are not allowed to drive (i.e. pedestrian areas). TIER supports you with localised info screens via our app.
Pre-ride inspection
Perform a quick pre-ride inspection of your e-bike to ensure it is in proper working order. Check the tyres for any signs of damage or low pressure, ensure the brakes are responsive, check both your pedals and verify that all lights are functioning correctly
Check your surroundings
Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings while riding. Scan the road ahead, anticipate potential hazards, and be mindful of pedestrians, e-scooter users, and other vehicles sharing the road. Avoid using headphones or engaging in any activities that may distract your attention from the road
Observe the rules of the road
Treat your e-bike like any other road vehicle and adhere to traffic rules and signals. Observe speed limits, stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians at crossings, and use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. Being a responsible cyclist contributes to overall road safety and fosters harmony with other road users.
Keep a safe distance
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially larger ones, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic. Be cautious when passing parked cars to avoid sudden door openings and maintain a slower speed in crowded or busy areas
Be respectful
Pedestrians always have the right of way, so be respectful. Slow down when approaching crowded areas, and you should never ride on pavements or in pedestrian zones. Always give pedestrians sufficient space and use your bell when necessary
Watch the weather
Be mindful of weather conditions. Weather conditions can significantly affect the safety of riding an e-bike. Exercise caution when riding in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, as these conditions can reduce visibility and make the road surface slippery. Adjust your speed accordingly and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
Park responsibly
When you reach your destination, park your e-bike responsibly. Avoid obstructing pedestrian walkways, entrances, or wheelchair ramps. Look for designated parking areas, bike racks, or other appropriate spaces. By parking responsibly, you contribute to a more organised and accessible environment for everyone.
Where to ride
Stick to the road and cycle lanes
Stick to the road and cycle lanes
Don't stray onto pavements or motorways
You should never ride in any of the following: Pedestrianised areas. Pavements, unless this is a specifically marked cycle lane. Motorways. Designated no-go zones as marked in app.