From Friday 31 March, 75 e-bikes and 19 bays will be made available for public use on the seafront cycle lanes between Portslade and Rottingdean, as well as connecting Hove and Brighton stations via key spots such as Churchill Square.

Further bikes, e-bikes and bays will be added to the scheme incrementally throughout 2023, eventually comprising 780 vehicles and over 100 bays as it expands to become truly city-wide.

E-bikes are a really fun and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys. This first phase of the scheme will act as an introduction, allowing people to try the vehicles and get used to the simple-to-use app and hiring system. 

Phil Ellis, CEO and cofounder of Beryl said: “We’re truly excited to be working in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council and launching our service in one of the country’s most progressive and vibrant cities. 

“We have a proven track record of working in partnership with major cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders to deliver successful schemes that play a crucial role in integrated urban transport systems.

“Our vehicles are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, easy to use and cost-effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage and maintenance.

“We hope that, from the launch of the first phase later this month, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to switch to more sustainable transport.”

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, member of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “What a fantastic way to start the spring. The Beryl BTN bikes look fantastic and I can’t wait to see people using them. 

“This new look scheme will take cycle hire in the city to a new level with e-bikes and new bays.

“Cycling is a great way to get around Brighton & Hove, but not everyone has the space to store their own bike. The e-bikes will also make it easier to navigate some of the city’s steeper roads.

“Getting on a bike is a proven way to improve your physical and mental health and Beryl BTN Bikes make hiring one quick, easy and affordable.”

A B-Corp registered company, Beryl is recognised for meeting exceptional standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. 

Beryl also designs and assembles its own products and industry-leading technology in the UK. This contributes to national industry by creating jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities and maintains Beryl’s autonomy over the quality and durability of its products. It also removes the need for mass transportation from abroad, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. 

You can hire a Beryl e-bike through the Beryl app, available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users. 

Once you have registered, simply use the app to find your nearest bike, tap to unlock it and off you go!

When you’re finished, make sure you park up in one of our designated Beryl bays and get on with the rest of your day. During the first phase, bikes must be returned to active bays. You may incur a charge if bikes are left at bays which are currently not in use.

For more information on Beryl’s innovative bike share scheme, please visit beryl.cc/bikeshare/brighton