Beryl launches sustainable e-scooter hire scheme in Birmingham

Credit: West Midlands Combined Authority

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has announced that Beryl has launched a new e-scooter hire scheme in Birmingham, providing 200 e-scooters for hire in the city centre and surrounding areas. An additional 700 e-scooters will be gradually introduced by September 2023. Beryl has been chosen by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Birmingham City Council and WMCA as the operator for the city’s e-scooter rental trial.

The new scheme emphasises safety, featuring driving license scanning technology with selfie verification during sign-up and when switching to a new device. Random and targeted selfie verification checks will be implemented to prevent misuse. Unlike the previous scheme, the e-scooters will need to be collected and returned to designated docks or parking bays, reducing street clutter.

Beryl CEO and Co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’re really excited to be working with another of the UK’s major city regions and I’m confident that our experience and innovation can help our e-scooters become a crucial cog in the region’s integrated urban transport network.”

Beryl and BCP Council celebrate success of e-bikes in first year

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Over the last three years, e-scooters became a fixture of Birmingham’s transport network – often proving to be a popular alternative to cars for shorter journeys and helping to reduce road traffic congestion. After what was always designed to be an initial e-scooter trial, we took the opportunity of a break in contract to try a different approach with a new operator.”

The e-scooters can be hired using the Beryl app for £1 to unlock and 20p per minute of usage. Users must be over 18 and hold a valid UK Driving License. E-scooters can be ridden on roads, cycle lanes and carriageways but not on pavements. Beryl’s e-scooters have vehicle approval from the Department for Transport (DfT), ensuring safety compliance.

Beryl also operates e-scooter hire schemes in partnership with other councils and offers various bike hire schemes across different regions. The company designs and manufactures its products and technology in the UK, contributing to local industries and job opportunities.