Beryl has expanded its e-micromobility fleet in Cornwall with the addition of 100 new e-scooters to complement its 250-strong fleet of e-bikes, representing a £1m investment into Cornwall. The e-scooters will be a valuable addition to the public micromobility hire network, providing residents and visitors with an additional low-cost, convenient, accessible, easy-to-use, and sustainable transport option across two of Cornwall’s most popular destinations.

From today, Beryl e-scooters will be deployed to Newquay and Falmouth. The scooters will operate within the area of the existing Beryl scheme, benefitting from the company’s multi-modal approach. The scheme has been supported by partnerships with local authorities, with e-scooters representing a logical expansion of the Cornwall micromobility offering, further enabling active and shared mobility as part of a lower-carbon transport network.

To date, the Beryl bike scheme in Cornwall has supported almost half a million journeys (485,000) with 55,600 riders covering a staggering 1,191,000 kilometres. Around a quarter of all Beryl journeys replace a vehicle, such as a car or taxi, meaning more than 120,000 car trips have been replaced, easing pressure on the road network.

Beryl will utilise its existing parking stations and stands to ensure tidy, organised parking from day one. The bays are strategically located in popular areas, sites of interest, and, where possible, close to public transport hubs. The scheme already has solar-powered charging points available.

Building upon Beryl’s extensive experience in launching public e-scooter schemes, the company will focus on strong user behaviours and responsible operations from day one. Individuals aged 18 and over with a valid full, provisional, or supported international driving licence will be permitted to hire the e-scooters with appropriate insurance included as part of the scheme. While privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal, this new trial will provide accessible e-scooters that can be operated legally, safely, and within a regulated framework.

Beryl CEO, Phil Ellis, added: “We are thrilled to be expanding the public micromobility scheme in Cornwall with the addition of e-scooters. Integrating seamlessly into our existing fleet and operations, the e-scooters will provide a sustainable and enjoyable way to travel around two of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, Newquay and Falmouth. Our e-scooters and supporting systems promote safety and rider behaviour, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities throughout the launch and ongoing operations.”

Safety and performance for everyday journeys

Beryl’s e-scooter was engineered for safety, featuring front and rear LED lights, high-traction wheels, and quality suspension for a smooth ride on rough surfaces. The battery and efficient motor provide a maximum range of 68 miles, and the e-scooter can ride up gradients as steep as 20 per cent. It also features an integrated bell, push-button indicators, and a phone holder, allowing users to keep their hands on the bars and navigate with ease.

To monitor the e-scooters, Beryl works with local authorities to provide complete oversight as well as accurate geofencing with location-based speed and parking control. This includes quick response capabilities, allowing councils to rapidly create temporary no-ride zones as well as permanent slow-go zones and no-parking areas.

Beryl continues UK expansion

Over the past five years, Beryl has established a proven track record of introducing e-bike share schemes to UK cities. Its success has involved close collaboration with local authorities covering user behaviour, responsible operations, and effective scheme management. The expansion of Beryl’s offering is a natural progression of this foundation, allowing the company to offer an additional sustainable transport option for cities.

Beryl is the UK’s leading shared sustainable transport provider, championing greener travel options to help reduce road congestion and improve air quality and public health. It currently operates 18 public bike, e-bike, and e-scooter schemes, delivered in partnership with local Councils. The UK’s e-scooter trials are approved to continue until 31 May 2028, providing the Department for Transport sufficient time to evaluate their success.