MICROMOBILITY provider Beryl has been given the green light to extend its e-scooter trial schemes for another 18 months.

The approval comes after the three local authorities with which Beryl runs e-scooter trial schemes - Norfolk County Council, BCP Council and Isle of Wight Council - accepted the Department for Transport’s invitation to extend them until May, 2024. 

Beryl launched its first e-scooter trial scheme in Norwich in September, 2020. This was followed by a second scheme on the Isle of Wight in November, 2020, and a third in Bournemouth and Poole in January 2021. 

On the Island, 123,818 journeys have been taken across 401,478km.

What does Beryl say about its e-scooter scheme?

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “The numbers show that our e-scooters have proven to be really popular across the three areas and their extension is a major boost to our aim of inspiring even more people to take up sustainable travel.

“When planned correctly with local authorities and stakeholders and with the safety of users and pedestrians treated as paramount, e-scooters can offer a fast, fun, clean and inexpensive travel option.

“The extension of the trial will allow us to gather even further evidence to support the importance of their role within integrated urban transport schemes.”

How to hire a Beryl e-scooter

You can hire a Beryl bike or an e-scooter through the Beryl app, available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users. 

E-scooter riders are required to provide a valid UK Driving Licence to participate.

Beryl e-scooters can be used on roads, cycle lanes, carriageways and other areas where cycling is permitted, but not on pavements.

Beryl also runs the Scoot Happy Tour, which offers users online or in-person training to learn how to safely use a Beryl e-scooter and the array of smart features found on the vehicles.