Beryl bikes hit the streets across Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland

A new e-bike share scheme has launched in three Dorset areas, boosting access to sustainable transport and contributing towards cutting traffic congestion, while helping to improve air quality and health.

Operated by UK-based shared sustainable transport providers, Beryl, in partnership with Dorset Council, the scheme comprises 121 e-bikes available to hire from a network of 30 Beryl bays across Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland.

See the locations of the bays

A special launch event was held near Weymouth beach on 20 August, from 10am to 6pm, with representatives from Beryl on hand to answer questions, offer help and advice and provide test rides, giveaways and discount codes to people.

The scheme is operated by Beryl on behalf of Dorset Council with the set-up costs funded by the council.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Deputy Leader of Dorset Council, said: “I was thrilled to try a Beryl e-bike today. They really are fun and versatile, and their extra power can open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys. I’m definitely tempted to make the ride from Portland to Dorchester!

“Dorset Council has an important role to play in driving our county towards net zero, so these make a great alternative to using the car by making light work of cycling, whether for commuting or leisure.”

Beryl CEO and co-founder Phil Ellis, said: “It’s really exciting to see our e-bikes on the streets of these picturesque Dorset areas and I’m confident they will dovetail with some of the excellent local cycling infrastructure already in place.

“Our e-bikes are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, convenient, easy to use and cost-effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage and maintenance.

“We hope that, from the launch today, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to adopt more sustainable long-term transport habits.

“By doing that, we can contribute towards reducing traffic congestion and harmful emissions while getting more people active and improving public health.”

Users can pay for their journeys in a variety of ways to suit individual needs and circumstances, with Pay-As-You-Ride, Minute Bundle and various pass options.

Beryl currently operates a 202 bike/e-bike share scheme with Dorset Council in the southeast of the region. Launched in August 2022, the bikes are available to hire from 43 bays across Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors, Ferndown, Upton and Corfe Mullen providing a convenient link up with the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) bike, e-bike and e-scooter share scheme.

Since launching, the scheme has generated almost 23,000  journeys across nearly 97,000km kilometres in Dorset, saving more than two tonnes of carbon emissions, according to industry calculations.

The Beryl app is available for free download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users, ensuring a seamless experience for all. Report abandoned bikes to Beryl.