From today (Monday 17 March), 50 brand new lightweight and user-centric BBE2 e-bikes will be available for people to ride alongside Beryl’s existing bike, e-bike and e-scooter fleet.

BBE2 has been designed to incorporate feedback from riders along with Beryl’s scheme delivery experience and the expertise of in-house mechanics and technical experts. With key focuses on safety, comfort, and technology, the BBE2 is tailored to meet the needs of as wide a range of riders in mind as possible and offers an industry-leading cycling experience.

Key improvements include:

• Internal machined drum brakes, which enable reliable braking on all terrains
• Improved ergonomics with a low-step through frame
• An adjustable seat clamp meaning it can be ridden by riders from 4’11” to 6’5” in height
• 23-inch wheels with broad rims and puncture-resistant tyres, which provide better grip and a reliable ride
• Two-speed gear hub, which provides automatic gear shifting that helps riders of any ability to always be in the right gear
• Large front basket, with 10kg of capacity
• Swappable 36V battery, which provides a significant 80 km range
• Near Field Communication (NFC) unlocking pad with an integrated phone holder

The introduction coincides with the scheme’s fifth anniversary, during which it has delivered nearly 1,850,000 sustainable journeys across nearly 5,200,000 km. According to industry calculations, the scheme has also saved nearly 240 tonnes of carbon emissions - the equivalent of 107 airline flights between London and New York.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “I think the numbers speak for themselves and, after half a decade in Norwich, we can say we’ve had a huge impact in breaking down the barriers to active travel for many people.

“We’re just getting started though and we’ll continue to work with our scheme partners and listen to our riders to ensure the scheme remains as quick, convenient, cost effective and user friendly as possible.

“The introduction of our BBE2 e-bikes is a perfect example of this, as we have ensured every element of the model is equipped for a wide range of riders.

“We can’t wait to see them out on the road and, with the warmer weather and longer days on the horizon, I would urge people to give them a go and experience their quality for themselves.”

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said; “It’s great to see these brand new bikes which I’m sure will be a popular addition to the already incredibly well used fleet across the Greater Norwich area. The Beryl scheme has grown year on year here and we continue to get more users every month. Seeing them here in Costessey shows how multiple modes of transport can interact together and give people much more choice about how they can get in and around the area.” 

Councillor Sharon Blundell, local member for Costessey said; “It’s great to see this first Beryl bay here in Costessey and I hope that many residents will take the opportunity to use these. While I am not expecting everyone to use them, it is great that residents now have the choice. I’m also excited to hear that there may also be more going in across the local area including the possibility of going out to the Longwater Retail Park and Queen’s Hill which will help give even more people the choice to use them for their short local journeys.”

The BBE2s have a silver frame and, just like the current bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, can be hired through the Beryl app, available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users.

The locking and unlocking process is different to standard e-bikes. To unlock one of the new BBE2s, simply scan the QR code below the handlebars. To end your ride, simply open the app and tap ‘end ride’.

Figures show that the Norwich scheme is going from strength to strength, with a 20% increase in the number of sustainable journeys made during 2024 (507,834) compared to 2023 (422,678).

Data from Beryl’s latest annual Rider Report, which surveyed nearly 3000 riders across Norwich, showed that 66% of Norwich riders had ridden an e-bike in the last six months, demonstrating their popularity.

As well as helping to have a positive impact on congestion and air quality levels, the scheme has also generated nearly 550,000 hours of physical activity, which is scientifically proven to aid mental and physical health.

Since March 2024, 25 new bays have been added to the Norwich scheme, making it even more convenient and user-friendly.*

Funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, the scheme launched on Tuesday 17 March 2020 with bikes and e-bikes. E-scooters were added in September 2020 as part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) e-scooter trials.

The scheme is currently run in partnership with the UK’s largest electricity transmission and distribution business, National Grid, to enable more people to swap four wheels for two and travel sustainably around Norwich. National Grid is committed to decarbonising the energy system as part of a clean and fair transition that leaves no-one behind.

More details on the Beryl BBE2 e-bike spec can be found here.

For more information on Beryl’s Norwich scheme can be found here.

*New bays added since 17 March 2024 include: City College - 22/03/24; Rampant Horse Street - 22/03/24; St Stephens Street - 22/03/24; Cathedral Quarter - 22/03/24; Tombland / Queen Street - 22/03/24; Salhouse Road - 22/03/24; Recreation Road - 25/07/24; Queens Road - 12/08/24; Norwich Road - 12/08/24; Norfolk Street - 25/09/24; Norfolk Street / Union Street - 25/09/24; School Avenue - 26/09/24; Yarmouth Road - 26/09/24; Cremorne Lane - 26/09/24; Cattle Market Street - 03/10/24; Wendene - 03/10/24; Whitehorse Street North - 11/11/24; Aspen Drive - 11/11/24; Dereham Road Travel Hub - 07/01/25; Chenery Drive - 15/01/25; Waterworks Road - 31/01/25; Plumstead Road East - 31/01/25; Leng Crescent - 04/02/25; Lilburne Avenue - 05/02/25; Oak Lane - 06/02/25