Beryl boss says legalise e-scooters after scheme success

Since being introduced in a Norwich trial in September 2020, e-scooters lent by rental company Beryl have clocked up nearly 600,000 journeys across the city.

And new Department for Transport figures have revealed the number of people hurt in crashes involving e-scooters in Norfolk has fallen - down to 15 in 2022 from 21 the previous year.

Those statistics do not differentiate from those involving rented scooters and privately owned scooters.

While the government-backed Beryl rental scheme means it is legal to ride a hired scooter, it remains illegal to ride a privately owned scooter on roads, pavements or other public spaces.

But Beryl founder and chief executive Phil Ellis said the success of the scheme in Norwich, which was supported by Norfolk County Council and National Grid, shows the government should now legalise e-scooters.

Beryl chief executive Phil Ellis (right) says it is time to legalise e-scooters (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "The numbers show that our e-scooters are very popular with Norwich users and we know that the trial is one of the most popular government-approved schemes in the country. 

"Demand is there and we believe that legalising the use of e-scooters would make them more accessible, boost their popularity further and normalise their presence on our roads.

"This would amplify calls for better infrastructure, which would not only improve safety, but also the perception of safety, and encourage even more people to leave their car keys at home.

"Ultimately, that will help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while improving air quality and public health."

In December 2022, The Department for Transport’s national evaluation of e-scooter trials showed Norwich to be the fifth most utilised trial in the 32 across the country.

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