Beryl willing to launch services with councils who have expressed e-scooter interest
Micromobility firm Beryl has signalled its willingness to launch services with local councils who have expressed an interest in running shared electric scooter trials to the Department for Transport (DfT).
Beryls hybrid scheme, which includes e-bike services in the likes of Bournemouth, Hereford, Norwich and London, encourages users to pick up and drop off Beryl Bikes in geo-fenced ‘Beryl Bays’ in order to reduce potential street clutter and aid social distancing.
The mobility firm has deployed over 600 geo-fenced bays in its technology systems across England over the last 12 months, with each of these Beryl Bays already ensuring a minimum 2.1m width retained between the edge of the bay and the kerb edge.
“As a responsible micromobility company, we believe that e-Scooters form a part of how people in cities can move sustainably, and at this time, socially distant,” said Beryl CEO Philip Ellis. “We want to work with local authorities to help assess how this innovative new transport mode can contribute to a green in supporting ambitious people-focused transport strategies.”
A consultation into the viability of legalising public use of e-Scooters launched in February with the Government reportedly keen to align legislation with e-Bike rules.
“Our technology and products enable us to launch trials quickly that are able to help people move sustainably, safely and in a socially distant way,” continued Ellis. “I would urge councils not to allow a situation where micromobility schemes clutter streets with scooters and bikes, that can be hazardous to the wider public as we have seen in the recent past.
“In the new normal, public space is more important than ever and the Beryl system adds value to the public realm and keeps space clear for pedestrians.”
Following the government naming bicycles (and bicycle shops) as integral to the running of the UK during the coronavirus lockdown, Beryl Bikes announced it will make its bike share service in Bournemouth and Poole free to all NHS staff for the duration of the pandemic.
