TIER and Lime scooters in the capital test

The incidence values ​​in Germany are falling, many people are meeting again on the streets and in the parks of the republic. But how do you get through the city center comfortably and quickly when you are heading to different meeting points? In addition to bicycles and public transport, eScooters have also populated the nation for a number of years. Today we’re looking at two of the most prominent providers in direct comparison: Lime and TIER.

For this test, a friend of mine and I each bought a day pass from a provider, for just under 10 euros you can unlock unlimited eScooters and jet through the business area for up to 45 minutes per trip. The test took place in Berlin, as both providers are represented here and cover roughly the same business area.

TIER scooters are more neat

First, let’s take a look at the equipment of the eScooter. Here we see a very clear winner: ANIMAL. Because Lime scooters only have one throttle and two braking options. TIER goes one step further here. In addition to a holder for smartphones that can inductively charge your end device at the same time, there are even indicators on the eScooter.

When it comes to road safety, the TIER scooter is clearly ahead of Lime. Because the latter provider also has a lot of problems with vandalism. Finding a scooter with a bell sometimes seemed impossible, which is often simply torn down. Either TIER scooters are damaged less often or the provider takes better care of a fleet.

Tier 1 – Lime 0

Lime is everywhere

A day pass is relatively little useful if no eScooters are available. Therefore, we also looked at the availability of the scooters in different districts. This shows one of Lime’s strengths, as the company’s scooters can be found on almost every street corner. It is completely irrelevant whether you are in Neukölln, Schöneberg or Mitte.

At TIER it was partly different. In some districts I really had to look for the next TIER scooter, these are usually much more concentrated in one place. Nevertheless, even in the worst case scenario, you didn’t have to look out for more than 5 minutes, but Lime takes home victory in this category.

Tier 1 – Lime 1

Lime is a little faster

Once you have found a scooter and are on the way to your destination, the ride can be enjoyed with both providers. The suspension is about the same, the only difference being the top speed. With both providers, this is a maximum of 20-25 kilometers per hour, the eScooters from Lime are slightly faster.

Therefore, each provider takes one point in this category.

Tier 2 – Lime 2

ANIMAL with individual defects

Then all that remains is a brief look at the apps. The registration process works in a similar way for TIER and Lime, and the structure of the app shows hardly any differences. Once you have found your eScooter, you scan the QR code and the vehicle is unlocked; when you park it, you press a button to end the journey in the app. Lime also requests a photo of the scooter.

Despite the similarities, Lime wins here, as communication with the servers works much better. At TIER it happened again and again that I had to quit and restart the app before I could end the trip. Problems also arose significantly more often when unlocking. TIER still has to make improvements here.

Tier 2 – Lime 3

Tier 2 – Lime 3

Lime takes home victory in the eScooters, the company’s vehicles are easy to find, quick to unlock and slightly faster than the competition. Unfortunately, you have to overlook some damage caused by vandalism and significantly poorer equipment.

TIER is also a good provider who can score points when it comes to equipment. I also like the approach that the company compensates for its emissions according to its own information and that the user can also replace the battery. In return, you will be credited with 20 minutes in the app.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with either provider, making the eScooter a real alternative to other modes of transport.