BRITISH micromobility operator, Beryl, will be providing free journeys to NHS staff in Newport as its e-Scooters arrive on the Isle of Wight.

The scooters are part of a 12-month trial in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, Solent Transport and the Department for Transport.

Key workers looking to take essential journeys in an enjoyable and sustainable way will be able to do so by downloading the free Beryl App.

The first 15 minutes of each trip will be funded by Beryl, and 25 e-scooters are available for hire and drop-off at marked bays in Newport, with an additional 125 to be added in the coming weeks.

Isle of Wight County Press: Aaron Basill, Beryl's Isle of Wight Scheme Lead (left) and Keelan Walsh, Business/Projects Officer, Estates and Facilities, IOW NHS Trust Aaron Basill, Beryl's Isle of Wight Scheme Lead (left) and Keelan Walsh, Business/Projects Officer, Estates and Facilities, IOW NHS Trust

Cllr Ian Ward, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure for Isle of Wight Council and chair of the Solent Transport Joint Committee, said: “This is an excellent project and welcome addition to the promotion of sustainable travel on the Isle of Wight.

“Key workers are essential to keeping the Island running at this challenging time, and this scheme will support NHS staff for which e-Scooters can form part of their travel plans.

“Many people are worried about using public transport and may want to avoid driving for environmental or cost reasons. With this in mind, there’s never been a better time to give scootering a go!”

The Beryl e-Scooter will be available to hire through two payment choices of pay-as-you-ride or minute bundles, with full details available on the app.

Users that park a hired e-Scooter outside of a Beryl Bay will be charged a £10 convenience fee, while users that lock a Beryl e-Scooter outside the Isle of Wight’s operating zone will be charged £25.