E-scooters for hire to return to Birmingham with new provider - full details here

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has announced the return of an e-scoooters for hire scheme.

The previous scheme with Swedish company Voi was paused from March 1 as transport chiefs announced they were looking for a new contact following safety concerns.

Now TfWM has appointed UK shared transport operator Beryl to deliver a new e-scooter hire scheme for the region. The first phase of the scheme will see e-scooters hit the streets of Birmingham in June, with further phases to be rolled out during the rest of 2023 and beyond. The UK-based operator was awarded the contract following an open tender process.

The Voi sceme faced criticism over safety after a serious incident last December saw the death of a 12 year-old boy afer an electric scooter he was riding crashed with a bus in Birmingham. At the end of February  a 165 year-old rider was left fighting for his life after crashing his e-scooter with a car near Stoney Lane in Balsall Heath.

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), stressed that it supports a well-run and regulated e-scooter hire scheme as an affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to the car.

It considers e-scooters useful for shorter journeys around towns and cities. Only e-scooters hired from the approved trial scheme can be ridden on the highway and public places.

The new scheme has been announced days after Birmingham City Council unveiled radical plans for Birmingham city centre to become ‘traffic free’ and a Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) to be introduced across a third of city wards.

Once on the streets, the e-scooters will be available to hire alongside the West Midlands Cycle Hire under the Beryl app, providing a truly integrated sustainable transport scheme for the region. TfWM said full details of the scheme - including pricing, parking locations, safety measures and launch date - will be announced in due course.

What is Beryl?

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.

They also run, bike, e-bike and e-cargo bike hire schemes in Watford, Hereford, Hackney, Westminster, Greater Manchester, Cornwall, Plymouth, Brighton and Solent and provide the technology for London’s Santander Bikes.

Beryl schemes are delivered both in partnership with cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders. Doing so ensures they can meticulously deliver the most beneficial and best possible service for users.

Currently one of only two B-Corp certified operators, Beryl places people, social responsibility and environmental sustainability at the same level as financial sustainability.

They also design and manufacture their own products and technology in the UK, giving them autonomy over their creation, reducing the need for mass transportation and contributing to UK industry through jobs, supply chains and apprenticeships.

What has Beryl said about the Birmingham e-scooter scheme?

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, 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.”

What has TfWM said about the Beryl scheme in its own words?

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.”

What has Birmingham City Council said about the Beryl e-scooter scheme?

Phil Edwards, assistant director transport and connectivity with Birmingham City Council, said: "Just this week we hosted the Birmingham Transport Summit, talking about the need to fundamentally change how people move around the city; we need to drastically reduce the reliance on cars and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. E-scooters are great for shorter journeys, alongside walking and cycling so we can all live in a healthier environment.”