SPEED restrictions for hired e-scooters have been reintroduced this summer in a bid to improve rider and pedestrian safety in Bournemouth.
Enforced on Monday August 1, Beryl e-scooters are automatically restricted to 7.5mph within a zone that encompasses the Lower Gardens and Bournemouth town centre area.
Through the use of GPS data and geo-fencing technology, Beryl e-scooters that enter the zones automatically and gradually slow down to the reduced speed.
These restrictions were successfully trialled in collaborations with BCP Council during the busy festive period last year and will make the area safer ahead of the anticipated increase in visitors to the area during August.
The zone will add to the existing summer restrictions along the Bournemouth seafront, which sees e-scooters slowed to walking pace between 10am and 6pm. All ‘Go Slow’ zones will operate until September 4.
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.”
Councillor 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 the Go-Slow zones so they are aware of the upcoming speed change.
E-scooter riders will be required to provide a valid UK driving licence before using the vehicle. It remains illegal for private e-scooters to be ridden on roads, pavements, or in any public spaces.
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