Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has appointed UK-based shared transport operator Beryl to deliver the region’s new e-scooter hire scheme. The first phase will see e-scooters hit the streets of Birmingham in June, with further phases set to be rolled out later this year.
This comes after the region’s previous e-scooter trial, run by Swedish firm Voi, was 'paused' in March, at the end of the contract. An open tender for the new contract was launched last summer.
TfWM said it hoped there would be a seamless transition to the new contract but this was “not possible due to delays procuring the contract while awaiting clarity over national e-scooter legislation”.
Earlier this year Voi called on the government to announce a date for the legalisation of privately-owned e-scooters. “Legislation will allow more cities and towns to use e-scooters as a sustainable method of transport for their communities, providing a firmer footing for the industry and the jobs and investment connected with it," said Matthew Pencharz, head of public policy for the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.
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Beryl's e-scooters will be available to hire alongside the West Midlands Cycle Hire bikes via the Beryl app. Full details of the scheme, including pricing, parking locations, safety measures and launch date, will be announced in due course.
Phil Ellis, Beryl CEO and co-founder, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected to deliver an e-scooter hire scheme in the West Midlands and look forward to bringing our experience and innovation to another of the UK’s major city regions.
“We already know that e-scooters are becoming an incredibly popular way for people to get around urban environments, offering people a fun, sustainable and cost effective alternative to the car that can contribute to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
“When delivered alongside other sustainable modes of transport under the same scheme, they can really play a vital role as part of integrated urban transport systems.”
Mike Waters, director of policy, strategy and innovation with TfWM, said: “E-scooters have proved popular in Birmingham over the last few years, so we know many users will be pleased to see the new Beryl hire service on the streets in time for the summer.
"There’s an added benefit as those who are already signed up for West Midlands Cycle Hire will conveniently be able to use the same app to rent an e-scooter.
“Making it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and scoot, especially for those shorter journeys, is a key part of our emerging Local Transport Plan and will assist with improving both our heath and the wider environment.”
Beryl currently operates three Department for Transport-sanctioned e-scooter hire schemes in partnership with Norfolk County Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and the Isle of Wight Council.
The company also runs bike, e-bike and e-cargo bike hire schemes in Watford, Hereford, Hackney, Westminster, Greater Manchester, Cornwall, Plymouth, Brighton and Solent and provides the technology for London’s Santander Bikes.
