E-scooters are arriving in Plymouth
Beryl’s shared e-scooters will soon be available across Plymouth, giving residents and visitors another convenient, affordable and sustainable way to travel around the city.
The new e-scooters will operate alongside the existing Beryl e-bike scheme, making it even easier to choose shared transport for commuting, connecting with public transport or exploring the city.
The scheme forms part of the UK Government's National E-Scooter Trial and is delivered in partnership with Plymouth City Council and local social enterprise Bikespace.
Why are e-scooters being introduced?
The trial is designed to understand how shared e-scooters can support greener, more accessible transport in UK cities.
Adding e-scooters to Plymouth's existing Beryl scheme will:
- provide another affordable transport option
- help reduce reliance on private cars for shorter journeys
- improve connections with public transport
- reduce congestion and emissions
- make sustainable travel available to more people
Across Beryl schemes, around one in three e-scooter journeys replaces a private vehicle trip, while many riders say e-scooters allow them to make journeys they otherwise wouldn't have taken.
The trial is expected to run for around three years and represents approximately £1 million of investment by Beryl into vehicles and local operations.
How do Beryl e-scooters work?
Hiring an e-scooter is simple.
- Download the Beryl app.
- Create an account.
- Verify your driving licence.
- Find a nearby e-scooter on the app.
- Unlock by scanning the QR code or entering the unlock code.
- Push off before gently using the throttle.
- When you've finished, return the e-scooter to a designated Beryl Bay and end your ride in the app.
All journeys must begin and end in a designated Beryl Bay shown in the app.
App, tap and roll
Start riding with our free app for iOS and Android
Meet the e-scooters
Sure to put a smile on your face, our scooters are easy, fun and filled with safety features.
Meet the Beryl e-scooter
Our e-scooters have been designed specifically for safe urban travel and include:
- Maximum assisted speed of 15.5mph.
- GPS-enabled location technology
- Automatic Go-Slow Zones
- Controlled parking at Beryl Bays
- Front and rear LED lights
- High-traction tyres
- Suspension for improved comfort
- Integrated bell
- Push-button indicators
- Phone holder for navigation
- Electromagnetic braking designed for hills and wet conditions
Who can ride?
To hire a Beryl e-scooter you must:
- be aged 18 or over
- hold a valid UK full or provisional driving licence (supported international licences may also be accepted)
- verify your licence within the Beryl app before your first ride
Paper driving licences cannot be accepted.
Where can I ride?
You can ride a Beryl e-scooter:
- on roads where cycling is permitted
- in shared-use cycle lanes and bus lanes where the following bicycle symbol is displayed
- within the approved Plymouth operating area shown in the app
You must not ride:
- on pavements
- indoors
- outside the operating area
Some areas operate as Go-Slow Zones where the scooter automatically reduces its speed to improve safety.
Parking your e-scooter
Plymouth operates a dock-to-dock system.
To finish your ride:
- park within a designated Beryl Bay
- ensure the scooter is left upright and tidy
- tap "End Ride" in the app
- wait for the confirmation notification
Ending rides in designated bays helps keep streets clear and ensures scooters are available for the next rider.
Riding safely
Please help keep everyone safe by following these simple rules.
Always:
- wear a helmet where possible
- keep both hands on the handlebars
- ride predictably
- look before changing direction
- obey the Highway Code
Never:
- carry passengers
- ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- use headphones while riding
- ride on pavements
- allow someone else to use your account
If you're new to e-scooters, we recommend practising in a quiet area before riding on busier roads.
For additional training, visit our Scoot Happy page.
Who can use the e-scooters?
E-scooters can be used by anyone aged 18 or over who holds a valid UK driving licence (full or provisional). Before hiring, users must register via the Beryl app, where their identity, driving licence and age are verified using secure checks. Each account is linked to a single individual and can only be used to hire one vehicle at a time, helping prevent misuse.
Why are e‑scooters coming to Plymouth?
The e‑scooter trial is part of Plymouth’s commitment to improving sustainable travel options. It provides an alternative to car journeys, helps people connect to public transport, and allows the Council to understand how e‑scooters are used in the city way before any long-term decisions are made.
How long is the trial in Plymouth?
The trial will run from summer 2026 until March 2028, as part of the national trial programme and will be reviewed based on performance, safety, and government guidance.
Who is funding the e-scooter trial?
Smidsy Limited, trading as Beryl, will add e-scooters to their existing Plymouth e-bike service, at no cost to Plymouth City Council. The trial is funded by Beryl as the operator.
Where can I hire an e-scooter?
E-scooters can be hired using the Beryl app, which shows nearby available vehicles and docking locations. They are located across Plymouth and will be based at the existing e-bike docking bays, including transport hubs, city centre locations, and some residential and employment areas.
Can I use my existing Beryl account?
Yes. If you already use Beryl bikes or e-bikes, simply verify your driving licence in the app before hiring your first e-scooter.
Where do I park/end my ride?
You must park the e-scooter in a designated docking bay or next to the bay if all slots are full. The scheme uses geofencing and app controls to enforce correct parking, and an out-of-bay fee (£10) will be charged if an e-scooter is left outside a permitted area.
Where can I ride (road rules)?
Under the DfT e-scooter trial scheme rules in England, trial rental e-scooters are legally treated similarly to pedal cycles for the purposes of road traffic law. That means they can generally be used:
- On roads (except motorways)
- On shared-use cycle lanes and bus lanes where the following bicycle symbol is displayed
They are not permitted on pavements designated for pedestrian use only.
In the UK, e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles and treated as motor vehicles. This means there are rules you must follow when hiring a Beryl e-scooter. If you break these laws, you could face on the spot fines, have points added to your driving licence, or even prosecution.
Where can I ride (zone rules)?
The e-scooter scheme operates throughout Plymouth. There are mapped zones within which e-scooter docking areas are located, which can be seen on the Beryl app, including the City Centre and Western Corridor as well as a zone around Derriford.
You can ride an e-scooter across Plymouth outside of the mapped parking zones, but you MUST return and end your ride at a docking station within the parking zones, otherwise there will be an out of zone fee or out of bay fee.
Plymouth also has a Slow-Go Zone in the city centre, including Armada Way. The e-scooter will be limited to 3mph (walking speed) in this Slow-Go Zone and you will need to dismount the e-scooter and push it through the zone. Once out of the Slow-Go Zone the e-scooter will return to full use.
The Beryl app clearly shows these zones.
What is a Slow-Go Zone?
A Slow-Go Zone is a geofenced area where the e-scooter automatically reduces speed to walking pace to protect pedestrians. In Plymouth, this includes parts of the city centre where there is high footfall, such as on Armada Way. When crossing the boundary of a Slow-Go Zone, a warning LED will flash and the power will be cut so that the vehicle slows safely and in a controlled manner. Users will need to dismount and push the vehicle through these zones before speed will return. 
Preview of the Go-Slow Zone
How fast do they go?
The maximum speed is 15.5mph. Within the city centre Slow-Go Zone the speed is automatically reduced using geofencing technology to walking speed 3mph and users will need to dismount the e-scooter and push it through the zone. When crossing the boundary of a slow-go zone, a warning LED will flash and the power will be cut so that the vehicle slows safely and in a controlled manner.
How much does it cost to hire?
Hiring costs can be found within the Beryl app where you can see Pay-As-You-Ride rates or pre-purchase Minute Bundles at a more affordable rate.
Do I need a helmet?
Wearing a helmet while riding an e-scooter is strongly recommended for your safety. Before you unlock an e-scooter in the Beryl app, you will be advised on the importance of wearing a helmet.
How do I ride safely?
To ride safely, you should:
- Follow the Highway Code
- Ride only on roads, cycle lanes or shared use paths where cycling is permitted
- Never ride on pavements
- Only allow one person per e-scooter
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not wear headphones or ear pods while riding
- Complete the mandatory in-app safety tutorial before your first ride
- Additional training modules are offered to help users build confidence and awareness.
Are there any safety tips for riding?
- Always wear a helmet
- Choose bright, visible clothing
- Practise in low-traffic areas if it’s your first time
- Avoid roads with speed limits over 30mph
- Ride in designated bike lanes where possible
- Stay in your lane and never weave through traffic
- Look over your shoulder and check before changing direction
- Take part in the online training before you ride
You can also take advantage of our free Scoot Happy training sessions to build your confidence.
How do I report an accident?
Firstly, make sure that you and anyone else involved are safe and if possible, off the road. Call the emergency services on 999 if anyone is in need of immediate medical attention.
Please contact the Beryl team (either phone +44 20 3003 5044, or via the Beryl in-app chat) as soon as possible once you are in a safe location and emergency services are at the scene.
Any e-scooter involved in an accident will be automatically removed from service and inspected by trained mechanics before it can be reused.
How do I report antisocial use of e-scooters?
Antisocial behaviour (e.g. dangerous riding, misuse, or rule breaking) can be reported via:
- The Beryl app or website
- In serious cases, Devon & Cornwall Police
Users who misuse e-scooters can have their accounts suspended or permanently banned.
How do I report a faulty e-scooter?
Faults or issues can be reported through:
- The Beryl app
- The contact details printed on each e-scooter
Once reported, the e-scooter is made unavailable for hire and inspected or removed by maintenance staff as quickly as possible.
How safe are they to ride?
E-scooters are designed with safety features such as speed limits, geofencing and onboard monitoring. Riders must complete safety training before use. However, as with any form of transport, there are risks particularly if they are misused or ridden in unsafe locations. The trial includes careful monitoring, enforcement, and maintenance to minimise risks as much as possible.
Are there still e-bikes in Plymouth?
Yes. The e-scooters are being introduced alongside the existing Beryl e-bike scheme, not replacing it. Both options remain available through the same app and use the same docking areas.
Can I have my own e-scooter?
No. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK. Only approved rental e-scooters operating as part of Government trials are permitted.
How are the e-scooters serviced?
Beryl operates a comprehensive maintenance programme:
- Quick safety checks every 5–8 rides
- Full servicing every 1,500 km
- Continuous remote monitoring for faults, impacts, or battery issues
- Immediate removal of any unsafe e-scooters
All maintenance is carried out by trained technicians and supported by local organisation Bikespace, and strict safety quality checks are in place.
Are there other places in the UK with these schemes?
Yes. Plymouth joins other towns and cities across the UK such as Bournemouth, Cornwall, Leeds and Norwich that are all part of the Department for Transport’s e-scooter trial programme, helping the government assess their future use nationally.
What do I do if I see an e-scooter not in/next to a bay?
If you see an e-scooter parked incorrectly:
- Report it using the contact details on the e-scooter or via the Beryl app or website
- E-scooters left out of bay can also be hired and ridden to a nearby bay for a 10 minute riding reward to help keep our streets tidy.
Misparked e-scooters are prioritised for collection if they are causing a hazard or obstruction, with urgent issues addressed quickly by operational teams.
Does the Department for Transport have information on how to safely use an electric scooter rented as part of a government trial?
Yes, further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users