BCP Council e-scooter trial: Everything you need to know

Approval from Department for Transport (DfT) means the scheme will permit the use of e-scooters on roads across Bournemouth and Poole initially.

BCP Council confirmed it will be launching a hire fleet in partnership with Beryl Bikes from January 25, 2021.

Here we look at how the trial will take shape, when and where the powered two-wheeled modes of transport can be used and what the people behind it have to say about the scheme.

What is the trial?

BCP Council is one of a number of local authorities across the country to be given permission by the DfT to run a controlled trial. The initial trial will assist the DfT’s national research into e-scooters and will run until the end of November 2021.

They are being launched by the council as part of its Transforming Travel programme to encourage people to switch to more sustainable means of transport.

An initial fleet of 25 e-scooters will be available for hire.

The DfT trials are already under way in cities such as Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Bristol and Norwich.

BCP Council said these trials had demonstrated a shift from private cars to e-scooters for local journeys, one of the main reasons for the trials.

It has also just been announced that a larger Transport for London trial will soon begin across the London boroughs.

Read more: E-scooters for hire are coming to BCP in a bid to cut congestion

How can I hire an e-scooter?

The scheme will be operated in partnership with existing cycle hire scheme providers, Beryl Bikes, and the e-scooters will be provided and maintained by Beryl at no cost to the council.

User will be able to hire an e-scooter via the Beryl app.

The e-scooters can be picked up and dropped off at any of the 250 marked parking bays in the Poole and Bournemouth area.

What are the rules?

The initial operating zone of the trial is within Poole and Bournemouth only.

The local authority said this reflects the hillier nature of the two towns and potential greater demand. An expansion into Christchurch could be considered at a later date as the scheme progresses.

The DfT trial is a limited and controlled pilot for type approved rental e-scooters only.

Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads including in trial areas. While the wearing of a helmets is advised they are not compulsory, and it is down to individual choice.

Residents wishing to hire an e-scooter must have a valid driving licence, which will need to be verified via the Beryl app. The hire agreement will also provide the user with vehicle insurance.

• Read more: Beryl becomes country's biggest bike share scheme with Christchurch launch

Details on the e-scooters

The e-scooters are limited to a top speed of 12.5mph and are equipped with a speedometer and bell.

An on-board GPS system will ensure their locations are constantly tracked, while Beryl’s established team of mechanics will maintain, charge and redistribute them.

What has BCP Council said?

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “Our conurbation is one of the most congested in the country and we need to offer convenient and attractive alternatives to the car for shorter journeys in particular. We have been delighted with the uptake of our Bike Share scheme with 250,000 journeys undertaken, covering 1.1million km since launch last year.

"We are certain that e-scooters will also prove popular and by working with Beryl we can be assured of a safe, compliant and well-managed solution.”

He added: “We are also pleased that the BCP trial will assist the Department for Transport’s research into the use of e-scooters overall and help shape national policy in the future.”

• Read more: Why Beryl bike out-of-bay charges in BCP are being increased

What has Beryl said?

Philip Ellis, Beryl CEO, said: “We are really pleased to offer e-scooters as a further development of our successful Bike Share scheme.

"We have been running a pilot e-scooter scheme in Norwich for the last three months and have just launched on the Isle of Wight.

"These have both operated without incidents and usage has far exceeded expectations. The Beryl bay-based system keeps the service tidy and ensures the scheme is in line with the needs of the community."