During the summer Beryl e-scooters are slowed to walking pace between 10am and 6pm along the Bournemouth seafront and now the scheme to make them safer has been extended to the Lower Gardens and Bournemouth town centre.

During August the scooters will gradually slow down to 7.5mph through the use of GPS data and geo-fencing technology.

The same restrictions were successfully trialled in collaboration with BCP Council during the busy festive period in 2021 and will make the area safer ahead of the anticipated increase in visitors to the town during August.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “Riding an e-scooter is a fun, safe and sustainable way to make journeys across Bournemouth town centre and provides a genuine alternative to car travel, which helps to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

“However, it is paramount that we not only consider the safety of the wider public, but also our riders too, as Bournemouth’s picturesque settings and exciting attractions make Bournemouth residents and visitors want 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.”

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said: “E-scooters are proving to be exceptionally popular and it’s great news that our residents have embraced this new zero carbon mode of transport.

“Beryl’s e-scooters are already limited to a maximum of 12.5mph, but this further reduction to 7.5mph in our town centre area will assist during our busiest summer period. This is cutting edge technology and we are pleased that it is being trialled so successfully in our area.”

Beryl will send push notifications to riders’ phones when they are entering these Go-Slow zones so they are aware of the upcoming speed change. Beryl e-scooters are currently equipped with phone holders for enhanced safety and easy navigation.

All speed restricted areas are available to view on the Beryl App. “Go Slow” areas are shaded in yellow with a tortoise icon, and “No Go” areas are shaded in black with a stop sign icon. A clock icon will highlight the operating hours.

Beryl e-scooters can be used on roads, cycle lanes and other areas where cycling is permitted but not on pavements. E-scooter riders will be required to provide a valid UK driving licence before using the vehicle.

For more information on Beryl’s innovative e-scooter and bike share scheme, please visit beryl.cc