by Faith Eckersall.

The two-year trial of e-scooters in the BCP Council area has been declared a success, with a 31 per cent increase in journeys made this way in 2022.

The Beryl e-scooters arrived in the conurbation two years ago, in January 2021. Riders have made more than 600,000 journeys, clocking up more than two million kilometres of travel.
According to the Department of Transport’s national evaluation, BCP’s e-scooters are the second most utilised out of 32 areas in the country, generating four trips per scooter, per day.
This equates to more than 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved – the equivalent of around six million kettles boiled or almost 527 flights from London to Edinburgh.
The scheme has now been extended until May 2024.
Beryl CEO and co-founder Phil Ellis said: “We know the demand is there and believe that legalising the use of e-scooters would make them more accessible, boost their popularity and normalise their presence on our roads.
“This would amplify calls for better infrastructure, which would not only improve safety, but also the perception of safety, and encourage even more people to leave their car keys at home.”
“Ultimately, that will help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while improving air quality and public health.”
During the trial period, 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.
To begin a Beryl e-Scooter trip, users just need to follow the simple in-app directions that will unlock the vehicle for use. At the end of their ride, users must lock the scooter via the app and will hear a chime from it to register that it is locked.
Beryl e-Scooters available to hire are visible both on street and in the app, with Beryl Bays and Bournemouth and Poole’s operating zone also shown in the app, which is available from Apple’s app store and Google Play.