Rental e-scooters arrive in Bournemouth and Poole

Rental e-scooters have arrived on the streets of Bournemouth and Poole.

The trial has been fast tracked as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic to give people another form of socially distanced travel for essential journeys.

50 'Beryl' e-scooters are available to hire through a smartphone app.

The e-scooters will be distributed across bays that include Bournemouth and Poole hospitals as well as Bournemouth and Poole train stations.

More e-scooters will be added as lockdown measures ease.

Beryl’s e-scooters will operate alongside the company's bike-share scheme.

E-scooter riders will be required to provide a valid UK driving license.

Beryl e-scooters can be used on roads, cycle lanes, carriageways and other areas where cycling is permitted but not on pavements.

"Another mode of socially-distanced travel"

Beryl CEO Philip Ellis said: "We are delighted to have fast tracked the introduction of the Beryl e-scooter scheme to Bournemouth and Poole to help deliver another mode of socially-distanced travel.

"This latest offering of smart travel strengthens Beryl’s ability to offer safe and sustainable journey options to residents and visitors to the area.

"Since the DfT e-scooter trials launched in late 2020, we have seen that they are popular and convenient as well as a great tool to help people take greener journeys that would have otherwise been taken by car."

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: "The trials of rental e-scooters starting in Bournemouth and Poole could offer a socially distanced way of getting from A to B for key workers and those making essential journeys.

"Learning from trials already taking place, Bournemouth and Poole will see strict safety measures introduced including license verification and responsible parking incentives, while also helping us better understand any impacts on public spaces."

Police Sergeant Rhys Griffith of Dorset Police said, "Dorset Police are working with BCP Council and Beryl for the launch of their e-scooter hire scheme.

"We would like to remind the public that all rules still apply for non scheme e-scooters.

"It is illegal to ride them on any public land, they are classified as powered transporters."