Shared sustainable transport provider Beryl and the Isle of Wight Council are celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the Island’s e-Scooter pilot scheme. Launched on 12th November 2020, the Department for Transport-sanctioned trial has amassed over 146,000 journeys across more than 458,000 km – the equivalent of almost 11.5 trips around the Earth. These journeys have replaced over 40,000 private transport journeys, including those as a driver or a passenger in a car, van, taxi or motorbike. According to industry calculations, this has saved over 19 tonnes of carbon emissions, the equivalent of approximately 7,500 litres of petrol. The trial, 1 of a number of DfT-sanctioned schemes across the UK, was recently extended to run until May 2024. Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, has said:
“Our mission is to break down the barriers to sustainable transport and encourage people to adopt more sustainable transport habits. “As we reach three years on the island, the numbers show that our e-scooters have been successful in helping us to achieve this and it’s great news that the trial will continue for another 18 months. “As well as being fun, easy to use and cost-effective, they provide a sustainable alternative to the car that helps reduce traffic congestion, cuts harmful carbon dioxide emissions and improves air quality. “They’re particularly useful for first and last mile journeys and a great way to connect with other urban transport systems or to commute to and from the office.”
“We are pleased with the continued success of the Beryl e-scooter scheme. It has helped us deliver sustainable transport options for residents and visitors and the expansion of the scheme has made it even easier for people to choose to travel on a cleaner and greener vehicle that reduces congestion on our road network. “The scooters and the e-bikes have become part of the wider travelling options and tourist offer alike and continue to deliver affordability and sustainability for our Island. I am truly pleased to be able to celebrate three years of operation already. Long may it continue.”
During the e-scooter trial periods, riders are required to provide a valid UK Driving Licence to participate. They are also asked to provide feedback on their experiences using the vehicles to support data learnings on operating the service. Beryl also currently operates the Beryl Bikes by Breeze scheme on the Island alongside Solent Transport and the Isle of Wight Council as part of the Solent Future Transport Zone.
Yes, I saw a yob continually driving one into the pelican control box outside the King Lud……
Did you report it to Beryl scooters.
Perhaps he didn’t no Mrs. Scooters Phone number?
Quite simple really, just google it.
These things have trackers on so all you do is give the date and time and they can then check to see who hired it out
Actually that data may not relate to the actual rider(s) – so many riders are too young to have used their own ID. Do Beryl actually care as long as they make money. I feel all the propaganda from the Council and Beryl is phoney at best..
Phil Ellis. The only one celebrating.
Ok if ridden legally, but that doesn’t happen very often. Mostly little chavs riding two up flouting the law!
They are fine but should be better policed lots of young people using them and also riding two up mostly in the summer.
Will never happen, no law and order on the Island
Long it may continue and expand with more e bikes as well. Let’s get rid of those arrogant, lazy, unhealthy, useless car drivers off the road.
I’m a fit, healthy, slim, good weight, productive and self employed car driver. Whisky you’re probably writing this comment whilst struggling to get out of your recliner arm chair. Judgemental idiot!
And yet you judge, another Uneducated hypocrite. Could you do please read you reply before you send it, Mr Thickie.
Sustainable transport options? More like adult toys, a high percentage of the scooters in my area are riden illegally either by being riden on the pavement, with two people on board or underaged riders.
Keep reporting these incidents to Beryl with photos who normally reply saying basically thank you and it has been noted and that is as far as it gets.
We do not have the resources for the Police to constantly patrol the areas on the off chance that they will catch someone and if you confront the offenders you usually get a torrent of abuse and told to go and do one.
All i see is them knocked over and places they used to be ..gone..
More lies. As the vast majority of these scooters are illegally used by kids without driving licences they have not “replaced over 40,000 transport journeys” at all. Just utter rubbish and the sooner these dangerous, stupid scooters are got rid of the better.
I saw five yobs aged under 18 riding the wrong way down Ryde High Street, reported it to Beryl, who told me to report it to the police, which I did as well….total waste of time on both counts….these things are a pest, ride on the pavements all the time and just do whatever they like
no you didn’t
They should be rounded up and crushed
How/who do you enrol with.Useful for ascending Union st with my ‘bone-condition’ ?
Why does the trial continue then? Surely they have enough data after 3 years of operating.
Who got the backhander for allowing these dangerous things in the first place? Does it contribute to the local council tax?
It is all part of the climate b@llocks
Net zero my a*se
“According to industry calculations” in other words, what Beryl want us to believe. There is no evidence that 40,000 car, taxi, van, or motorbike journeys have been displaced. The vast majority of use, as witnessed by every impartial observer, is joy-riding or occasionally in place of walking.
So contribution to road safety – NIL.
Contribution to fossil-fuel reduction – NIL.
Benefit to local community – NIL.
Pennies in Mr Ellis’ pocket – ah, I note we aren’t being told that.
Folks these things are death traps, lethal when operated by the wrong person and are the drunks chosen Taxi after a session . But Jordan keeps signing up for more .. ask him
If he or his family/friends ever use these death traps !! Sadly the Police and NHS have to deal with the carnage they cause.. people avoid these things, it’s a con, and you risk yours and others lives .. and should be put on the floating Terd (FB6) and sunk .
The world is de-populating so they will order more
they should get rid of them I’ve nearly got knocked over by one that was being ridden by two school kids on one scooter that were probably under 15 years old I told a pcso and was told not my problem I have to inform the council
Paris was the first city to trial rental e-scooters 5 years ago.Yesterday they were all removed and the scheme abandoned, for the reasons of misuse, danger to riders and pedestrians and the general mayhem they caused.
They are now banned in Paris, The sooner hey are banned in the UK the better, They are a menace as many riders ignore the rules and no one is policing their misuse.
Seems to be alot of Bull and select information about this service.
I’ve never seen these scooters used in a safe or legal manner?
3 years too many.
Scrap them, they are nothing but a pain in the ar*e
‘These journeys have replaced over 40,000 private transport journeys’
Why does the Echo copy and paste this nonsense without even questioning it?
There is absolutely no way this claim can be substantiated.
Given that just about every secondary school on the Island has these scooters parked within a few hundred metres of the front gates, how many are being ridden illegally by underage children with no licence? Why are they parked so close to schools if that’s not their target market?
Are the Council and Beryl honestly claiming that all these journeys by children are saving thousands of car or bus miles?
It’s simply a nonsense and the Echo should be questioning it, not just publishing everything they’re handed.
Celebrate, really? When other countries are banning them because they’re dangerous and can’t be legalised. IF politians are serious about reducing the number of car journeys by a substantial number, change the education system back to compulsory attendance at a local school. And add pressure for all schools to perform well. Reduce the morning and afternoon traffic by half. Job done. Start ‘unbreaking’ the system.
Feeble excuses and an even more dire service
Meant to be going to Southampton hospital tomorrow. This should be interesting.
Go on car ferry , get a early one in case of delays. Good luck .
If u can get to E Cowes foot passenger on the car ferry as luckily comes into same area in Southampton
Don’t look like it..
This is utter shit crap service could you imagin this in othere countries? its pathetic 15/20 years ago never had this crap service..its embarassing and the money they charge is bloody dicrasfull..peple need to get to work on the island and people from the mainland..they expect a promp reliable service not his shit one..
When are they going to get rid of Fran and Leanna as they are definitely not fit for purpose. Excuse after excuse but if you cut maintenance to the bone then it’s bound to go bang. It’s not rocket science
Out of the 10 front page articles on isle of wight news 4 concern the many, many issues of our transport to the mainland, anyone who thinks this is acceptable is deluded.
These boats will not run with out routine maintenance completed after a days service this flags up issues that can get sorted during downtime. red funnel always had a team available to keep these boats running but as usual a company puts 2 people in charge that know nothing about ship maintenance.
They couldn’t run a bath
Being admitted to Southampton hospital on Thursday for serious operation on Friday. That is stressful in it’s self, but then there is added stress of wondering if I will actually get there. Will be getting the car ferry as a foot passenger, arriving 2 hours early just to make sure I am on the mainland. The Red Jet would be better time wise, but I just can’t risk it. I feel like I’m held to ransom by Red Funnel. I’ve even considered booking into a Premier Inn, so I can be sure I’ll be on the mainland but travel is expensive enough without the added cost of a hotel. Already had this op’ cancelled twice, I’m blowed if Red Funnel are going to scupper this one !
The terminal wasting disease that is accountantitis.
Only boat…says it all. Crap provision . Getting more and more cut off every year . I’m sure it’ll be in full swing though for the festival and the licra bikers .