E-scooter rental scheme racks up one million journeys across Norwich
People using the scheme have also ridden e-bikes and e-scooters for more than five million kilometres of journeys
People using an e-scooter rental scheme in Norwich have racked up one million journeys across the city since it launched four years ago.
Bosses of the 'Beryl' scheme, which also offers bikes and e-bikes, say users have ridden for more than five million kilometres of journeys since it launched in 2020 - that’s the equivalent of nearly one hundred and twenty five full journeys around the Earth.
Run in partnership with Norfolk County Council and National Grid, the company the scheme's also prevented more than 225 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions.
"A genuine sustainable transport option"
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “It’s always great to reach a significant milestone, as it shows that a scheme is not only offering a genuine sustainable transport option for a lot of people but it also dovetails well with existing modes.
"We know from speaking to our riders that people love the fun, convenience and flexibility of e-scooters, especially for short journeys, and that is why they are so well used.
“It's really positive that the government is looking to introduce legislation around e-scooters, but it must be the correct legislation that not only makes them more accessible to people, but also improves both safety and the perception of safety.
“It’s all there, we just need the government to introduce the correct legislation to make them more accessible, which would have a chain effect boosting their popularity, getting more people out of their cars and amplifying calls for better infrastructure."
"The scheme is really well known across the city and beyond"
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said; “Reducing individual car travel within our urban areas plays a key role in us achieving our ambitious net-zero targets.
"These latest milestones show how well used the Beryl scheme is and how it’s helping so many people to make the transition to more sustainable modes of travel in Greater Norwich.
“With more than 170 bays holding beryl bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters the scheme is really well known across the city and beyond.
"I’m also thrilled to see figures that show how some of our cycling infrastructure improvements across the city are helping to give more people the confidence to choose this travel option for short local journeys.”