Launched on Monday 25 January 2021 in partnership with BCP Council, the Department for Transport (DfT) pilot scheme has clocked up over 936,000 journeys over more than 3,151,000 km in its first three years. This has, according to industry calculations, saved over 122 tonnes of carbon emissions. 

Currently, e-scooter journeys account for more than half (50.6%) of the overall journeys in the region’s integrated bike, e-bike and e-scooter scheme. The trial had been set to expire in May this year but is set to run for at least another two years following plans outlined in the King's Speech last November. 

Rider surveys also show that e-scooter journeys have, on average, replaced more than 318,000 private vehicle journeys on the region’s congested road network so far.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We know, from speaking to our riders, that people love the fun, convenience and flexibility of e-scooters and that is why they are so well used, especially in Bournemouth and Poole which is one of the most popular UK trial schemes. 

“Everything is in place for them to become cemented as an absolute key part of integrated urban transport systems and help massively reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. It’s all there. 

“We just need the government to introduce the correct legislation to make them more accessible, which would have a chain effect boosting their popularity and amplifying calls for better infrastructure.

“This would not only improve safety, but also the perception of safety, and encourage even more people to leave their car keys at home.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy for BCP Council, said:“Our partnership with Beryl on shared bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters has proven very successful.

“They have designed their e-scooters carefully, responding to any concerns with a commitment to continually enhancing the scheme.

“In an area with significant traffic congestion, every short journey that displaces a car trip plays a huge role in reducing queues on our roads.”

The e-scooters in BCP have also clocked up more than 820,000 hours of rides since their introduction, with an average journey distance of 3.52 km and an average duration of 27 minutes. 

Released in December 2022, the Department for Transport’s National Evaluation of e-scooter trials findings report also showed Bournemouth to be the second most utilised trial out of the 32 across the country, generating four trips per e-scooter per day.

Safety has been paramount during the trial’s operation, with Beryl working closely with Dorset Police and Public Health Dorset to ensure the trial remains as safe as possible for customers, pedestrians and all other road users. 

Geofenced ‘Go Slow’ zones, which automatically reduced the speed of their scooters to 3 mph or under upon entry, have been introduced in both summers and winters in busy locations such as the Seafront Promenade and Bournemouth Gardens during the Christmas Tree Festival.

As part of its Scoot Happy Tour, Beryl currently offers in-person and online sessions designed to help boost riders’ confidence,  sharpen e-scooter skills, and reinforce the importance of responsible riding. Upcoming events can be found and booked on Eventbrite, with the next session in BCP taking place on Saturday 17 February at 11am. 

During the trial period, e-Scooter riders are required to provide a valid UK Driving Licence to participate. They are also asked to provide feedback on their experiences using the vehicles to support data learnings on operating the service. 

Beryl e-Scooters can be used on roads, cycle lanes, carriageways and other areas where cycling is permitted but not on pavements. Every Beryl e-Scooter has vehicle approval from the Department for Transport (DfT), ensuring it meets the highest safety standards. Beryl has and will continue to consult with key organisations as the trial progresses.