E-scooter 'go slow' zone for Bournemouth

A new 'go slow' zone for e-scooters is coming in to force in the centre of Bournemouth from today (Friday 19th November).

The rental provider - Beryl - says speeds will automatically drop to 7.5 mph if riders enter the town centre and Lower Gardens.

It's to boost safety during the busy festive period.

The trial, which uses GPS data and geo-fencing technology similar to that used on the town’s promenade this summer, will run in collaboration with BCP Council until 3 January 2022.

The aim is to help boost the safety of users, residents and visitors ahead of anticipated increase in footfall generated by attractions such as the Bournemouth Christmas Markets and Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland.

By reducing speeds in areas of anticipated high footfall, the trial will allow for safer integration while still encouraging residents and visitors to the area to take active travel measures where possible.

Beryl CEO Phillip Ellis said: “It is safe and convenient to ride an e-scooter throughout most areas across Bournemouth and Poole and they continue to provide a fun and safe alternative to car travel, reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

“However, we also recognise that, with this festive period being the first without restrictions for a couple of years, some areas of operation may well be very busy this winter.

“It is therefore paramount that we not only consider the safety of the wider public, but also our riders too as Bournemouth’s exciting festive attractions encourage people to get out and about.

“The technology involved in the ‘Go Slow’ zones is incredibly safe and has been vigorously tested by our operations team, so riders can be assured that when they enter these zones their e-scooter will gradually slow down to the set limit.”

The zone will be visible in the Beryl app, with Go Slow areas shaded in yellow with a tortoise icon, while a clock icon will highlight the operating hours.

Beryl will send push notifications to riders’ phones when they are entering these areas so they are aware of the incoming speed change.