Beryl appointed to deliver West Midlands e-scooter scheme

Credit: Transport for West Midlands

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has announced that it has chosen Beryl to introduce the region’s new e-scooter hire scheme. The first phase of the scheme will start in Birmingham in June 2023, with further phases to be introduced later on in the year and beyond.

The operator has been selected following an open tender process. TfWM is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and has given its backing to a well-run and regulated e-scooter hire scheme as an affordable and sustainable alternative to driving for shorter journeys around towns and cities.

The e-scooters will be available to hire alongside the West Midlands Cycle Hire using the Beryl app, which will provide a fully integrated sustainable transport scheme for the region. Details of the scheme, including pricing, safety measures, parking locations and launch date will be announced later.

Beryl CEO and Co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected to deliver an e-scooter hire scheme in the West Midlands and look forward to bringing our experience and innovation to another of the UK’s major city regions.”

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Mike Waters, Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation at TfWM, said:  “E-scooters have proved popular in Birmingham over the last few years, so we know many users will be pleased to see the new Beryl hire service on the streets in time for the summer. There’s an added benefit as those who are already signed up for West Midlands Cycle Hire will conveniently be able to use the same app to rent an e-scooter.”

According to Beryl, the company designs and manufactures its own products and technology in the UK, reducing the need for mass transportation and contributing to the country’s industry through jobs, supply chains and apprenticeships.

Furthermore, Beryl also operates three Department for Transport-sanctioned e-scooter hire schemes in partnership with Norfolk County Council; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council; and the Isle of Wight Council.