The findings of the Beryl Annual Rider Report, obtained from over 3000 riders across six bike or bike and e-scooter share schemes in September 2022, have been unveiled today.  

One of the standout findings from the data is a big increase in riders connecting their Beryl trips with public transport, with 53% compared to just 29% in 2021. The average distance of those journeys are less than 2.5km, showing the increasing importance of bikeshare as an option for the first and last mile journeys

Another key finding shows that practicality has overtaken pleasure, with convenience (35%) and speed (25%) now the two most important reasons for signing up. Fun and novelty were the two most important reasons in 2021, but have dropped by 12% (now 23%) and 14% (now 20%) respectively. Cost has doubled in importance this year to 20%

As usage for practical purposes grows, car usage has decreased. Over 50% of those who use Beryl vehicles for business have reduced their usage of private cars, while 38% of all riders have reduced their car usage since using Beryl - an increase from 29% last year.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “As the UK’s leading micromobility operator, we know from experience how important data and feedback is in understanding our users, identifying trends and ensuring that we’re providing services that are accessible and work for everyone. 

“Our findings this year are reflective of external factors and show that, in line with rising cost of living, people are recognising the value of shared micromobility schemes as a more cost-effective, practical and convenient alternative to private vehicle ownership.  

“We will continue to use insights like this to guide our data-driven approach, delivering schemes in consultation with communities and key stakeholders as part of an integrated transport network. 

“By doing this we can continue to get more people swapping four wheels for two and help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion while improving air quality and public health.”

Other findings further demonstrate the increased demand for practicality, with the number of people using Beryl for commuting more than doubling from 27% in 2021 to 55% this year. 

Other practical factors such as using Beryl for errands/shopping (+5%) and education/school run (+7%) have also increased, while riding for leisure purposes has dropped from 75% to 63%. 

Riders are also embracing variety and, compared to 2021, are much more likely to try multiple modes. The overall number of people riding bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters has more than doubled from 7% to 15%, while those riding bikes and e-bikes (+9%) and bikes and e-scooters (+4%) have also increased. The overall number of riders just using bikes has dropped by 18%. 

Riders were surveyed across Beryl-operated schemes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Hereford, Norwich, Watford and the Isle of Wight, along with Greater Manchester. 

The survey was sent to riders via email and within the Beryl app. Of those who responded, 29% had signed up but not yet taken a ride, while 71% had taken at least one ride.

The survey allows us to understand riders’ motivations, as well as their behaviour before, during and after riding our vehicles.

The full report can be downloaded here