Available to hire from Tuesday 28 July, the new e-scooters join the existing Beryl e-bike scheme, providing another convenient and low-emission transport option for everyday journeys. The service has been introduced to complement Plymouth's wider transport network, making it easier for people to travel sustainably while connecting to key destinations across the city.
To celebrate the launch, Beryl and Plymouth City Council will be hosting a public launch event in Civic Square on Tuesday 28 July from 10 am to 2 pm. Residents can meet the team, learn how the new e-scooters work, take part in guided taster sessions and pick up free ride minutes to help them get started.
Building on a successful shared transport network
Since Beryl launched its e-bike scheme in Plymouth in March 2023, thousands of people have chosen active travel for everyday journeys. Together, riders have travelled more than 685,000 kilometres and completed almost 297,000 journeys. The scheme has attracted more than 34,000 active users, with the average trip covering 2.3 kilometres, demonstrating strong demand for short, convenient and sustainable travel.
The introduction of e-scooters builds on this success by offering another flexible option for local journeys. Whether connecting to public transport, commuting to work or running errands, the new vehicles provide an alternative to private car use for shorter trips.
Government-approved
The e-scooters operate as part of the UK Government's Department for Transport trial framework, ensuring they are used legally and responsibly within a regulated environment.
Unlike privately owned e-scooters, which remain illegal to use on public roads and cannot be insured for public road use, shared e-scooters operating within the trial include insurance as part of every hire and are subject to strict safety requirements.
To hire an e-scooter, helmet use is strongly encouraged and riders must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Submit a valid full or provisional driving licence.
Safety by design
Beryl e-scooters have been engineered specifically for UK urban environments, with safety and reliability at the heart of their design. Key features include:
- GPS-enabled geo-fencing to automatically manage speed limits and parking compliance.
- Go-Slow in busy or shared spaces.
- Autonomous electromagnetic braking systems designed for hills and wet conditions.
- Always-on front and rear lights for improved visibility.
- A large front wheel and suspension fork for greater stability on uneven roads.
- Tamper-resistant hardware and remote locking capability.
Riders are also supported through in-app education and mandatory training designed to promote safe, responsible riding from their very first trip.
Find out more here: https://beryl.cc/e-scooters-plymouth