An Isle of Wight Councillor has been at the launch of a new bike hire scheme, which will initially see them in Cowes, Newport and Ryde, with a plan to extend their reach further in the spring.

Operated by Beryl, which is already behind the e-scooters on the Island, the bike scheme has also launched in Portsmouth and Southampton.

Members of the Solent Transport Joint Committee and Isle of Wight Council's cabinet lead on transport, Phil Jordan, was in Portsmouth for it this lunchtime (Thursday).

Called Beryl Bikes by Breeze, the scheme offers a mix of e-bikes and pedal bikes for hire.

Part of the Solent Future Transport Zone, it is funded by the Department for Transport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Beryl Bikes in Newport, Isle of Wight.Beryl Bikes in Newport, Isle of Wight. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

A first phase of 200 pedal bikes and 235 e-bikes (across Isle of Wight and the Hampshire cities) is expected to increase to more than 1000 by the spring.

Riders will be able to hire a bike through the new micromobility app, Breeze, developed by Solent Transport.

It also allows the hire of e-scooters, as long as you are aged over 16 years old. 

The bikes also work with the Beryl app. 

How to use the scheme and how much do the Beryl bikes cost to hire on the Isle of Wight?

  • Beryl Bikes by Breeze users can Pay-As-You-Ride
  • £1 unlock fee plus 5p per minute for bikes
  • £1.50 unlock fee plus 10p per minute for e-bikes
  • When you reach your destination, close the lock on the bike to end your ride
  • GPS trackers on the bikes will alert Beryl to any misuse, vandalism and vehicles ending up in locations outside the zone of operation.
  • The bikes are fully insured through Beryl’s public liability insurance.
  • Riders must observe the Highway Code and are strongly encouraged to wear a safety helmet and hi-vis clothing. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Beryl Bikes in Newport, Isle of Wight.Beryl Bikes in Newport, Isle of Wight. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Councillor Phil Jordan said: "Beryl has already been successfully running the e-scooter trial on the Isle of Wight.

"As part of the ongoing plans, we are pleased to be able to introduce e-bikes, giving residents and visitors an even better choice of ways to travel.

"The e-bikes can be used on many routes, roads, and cycle ways, and more especially, used on the Red Squirrel Trail, which will allow riders to enjoy largely traffic–free cycling through the heart of the Island’s beautiful countryside."

Beryl CEO Phil Ellis said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to launch the scheme in Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight and, in doing so, enable more people to take advantage of the excellent local cycling infrastructure.

"As with all our schemes, Beryl Bikes by Breeze has been designed to provide the best possible service for users by being delivered both in partnership with the local authority and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders."