One million journeys made in Norwich using Beryl e-bikes and e-scooters
Beryl says people using the bikes have travelled the equivalent of 75 times around the earth
Last updated 22nd Jun 2023
E-bike and e-scooter firm Beryl says a million journeys have been made in Norwich - since they launched a hire scheme there three years ago.
It says people using the bikes have travelled the equivalent of 75 times around the earth.
Around 800 people in the city are regularly using Beryl e-bikes and e-scooters in the city.
Beryl says feedback from users shows that nearly a quarter (23.6%) of bike, e-bike and e-scooter journeys in Norwich have replaced road transport journeys - including driving a car/van, being a passenger in a car/van, using a taxi or riding a motorbike or moped.
According to industry calculations, this equates to over 156 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved; the equivalent of around 10,000 litres of petrol or more than 12 airline flights around the World.
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’re really proud of our Norwich scheme, which was pioneering in terms of being the first shared transport scheme in the UK to offer multiple modes under the same app.
“The scheme has been incredibly popular and that has enabled us to expand it to places such as Wymondham, removing the barriers to sustainable transport for even more people.
“By offering people a sustainable alternative to the car, we’re not only helping them to save money on expenses such as fuel, parking, storage, tax, MOT and maintenance, we’re also enabling them to get more active and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
“On top of that, we’re also contributing towards reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, which is great news for the regional air quality.”
Councillor Lana Hempsall, deputy cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council said: “The green bikes and e-scooters are well known and increasingly popular across the greater Norwich area.
"With bays reaching Wymondham, Hethersett and Drayton now more people than ever can benefit from access to this fantastic sustainable travel mode.
“One million journeys is a huge achievement and with more than a quarter of those replacing car or van journeys the scheme really is a key part to us achieving our ambition net-zero targets and improving air quality for us all.”