Since the Beryl e-scooter scheme started in January last year across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, they have proven to be a very popular alternative mode of transport.
In partnership with local authorities across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, Beryl have been working to provide locals with e-scooters, with 250 now available in the area.
However, in recent months, there have been reports of Bournemouth incidents involving personal e-scooter collisions including a four-year-old boy who was injured in an accident on the seafront. This comes as well as multiple cases of inappropriate use of the scooters in the area.
Recent videos have also been posted to social media by owners of various brand e scooters showing their scooter emitting smoke.
Phil Ellis, CEO of national e-scooter hire companyBeryl, believes that there is a lack of information that is “clouding” public opinion on e-scooters.
He said: “I believe that there is currently a lot of misreporting, particularly in national media, that is portraying an unfair picture of e-scooters as ‘gadgets’ and undermining their legitimacy as a genuine transport option.”
Setting aside that they are a fun method of transport and highly valued in the community, they also help to reduce carbon emissions and bring down the congestion in the local area.
“Since we started our trial schemes, they have proven extremely popular with our customers, who have already clocked up almost half a million journeys spanning over 1,630,000km”, said Phil.
Speaking out about the national debate over e-scooters, Beryl has worked closely with local police forces to make sure the scheme has remained safe for customers and residents.
Last summer, Beryl introduced a ‘Go Slow’ zone along the promenade in Bournemouth which automatically reduces the speed of the scooters to 3mph.
This has been done to add an additional measure of safety to protect riders and pedestrians.
Communications leader, James Williamson, at Beryl said: “It is important to distinguish the difference between electric scooters that people can buy online, that are often illegally used, and the regulated Department for Transport-sanctioned scooter trials, such as the scheme we operate in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
The Beryl scheme still continues to be a brilliant attraction to residents and tourists to get around the local area and some have taken to twitter to express their joy about the scheme.
Things I love about this initiative in Bournemouth: 1) electric bikes, recognising the fact that Bournemouth, while reasonably contained, is definitely not flat; 2) no docks; 3) Spot the electric scooters at the back! Convenience mobility at its best for visitors. #Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/DdrzxL9MZG
— Katie Randall (@CitadenK) June 4, 2021
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