Beryl e-scooter hire scheme begins trial in city

E-scooters are now available to hire on the streets of Leeds as part of an expansion of the city's LNER Beryl Bike scheme.

The 100 e-scooters will be integrated into the Beryl network, using the docking stations already in place.

Similar schemes are already running in places including Manchester, Plymouth, Bradford, Brighton and Belfast.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: "Beryl's e-scooter will be a welcome expansion to our LNER Beryl Bike Scheme. The future of transport is sustainable and multi-modal, with different transport types to meet the public's needs."

Users can register for the scheme via the Beryl app, but must be over 18 with a valid full, provisional or supported international driving licence.

The trial is the first approved in the UK since 2020, offering another low-cost, convenient, accessible and sustainable transport option in Leeds, Beryl said.

Beryl first launched in Leeds in 2023, in partnership with Leeds City Council and backed by funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal and can only be used as part of a trial scheme.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "Our cycle hire scheme has many benefits, helping people get around and improving their health and wellbeing.

"So I'm delighted to see this expansion by Beryl and Leeds City Council, which will now involve a new e-scooter trial.

"This supports our vision to create a fully integrated transport network in a greener, better-connected region."

The council added: "These new e-scooters accelerate the ambitions outlined in our Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy, offering an accessible and low-cost alternative to car journeys for people living, working, studying, and visiting our wonderful city."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.