Riding Right in Plymouth: Know the Difference Before You Ride

With Beryl e-scooters now available across Plymouth, residents have a new, convenient and sustainable way to travel around the city. As e-scooters become a more familiar sight on our streets, it’s important that everyone understands the difference between legal rental e-scooters and privately owned e-scooters.

The key message is simple:

Beryl hire e-scooters are legal to use in public as part of a Government-approved trial. Privately owned e-scooters are not.

Understanding this difference will help keep Plymouth’s streets safer, reduce confusion and improve awareness of the rules surrounding e-scooter use.

Thinking About Buying an E-Scooter?

Before making a purchase, it’s important to check the law first.

Many people assume that because they can see rental e-scooters on Plymouth’s streets, privately owned e-scooters can be used in the same way. This is not the case.

Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on roads, cycle lanes, pavements, parks or other public spaces.

They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Why Are Private E-Scooters Illegal?

Privately owned e-scooters are currently classed in law as motor vehicles. This means they would normally require things such as insurance, vehicle approval and other legal requirements before being used on public roads.

Why Are Beryl E-Scooters Allowed?

Beryl e-scooters operate as part of a Government-approved rental trial designed to explore how e-scooters can support sustainable travel across towns and cities.

Unlike privately owned e-scooters, Beryl e-scooters have a range of safety measures built into the service, including:

• Licence checks for riders
• Insurance included within the scheme
• Safety controls and operating requirements
• Clearly defined riding rules
• Managed parking locations
• Ongoing monitoring and support

These safeguards help ensure that riders, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users are protected while the Government continues to assess how e-scooters could fit into the UK’s transport network in the future.

Why It Matters

The rules are in place to help protect all road users and pedestrians.

By choosing a legal and regulated rental e-scooter, riders benefit from a scheme that has been designed with safety and accountability at its core.

Using approved rental e-scooters responsibly can help:

• Improve road safety
• Reduce confusion about the law
• Support sustainable transport
• Protect pedestrians and other road users
• Help ensure the success of Plymouth’s e-scooter trial

The scheme offers another travel option for residents looking to make shorter journeys without using a car, helping to support healthier, greener and more sustainable transport choices across the city.

Top Tips for Riding Safely

Whether you’re a first-time rider or a regular user, following a few simple tips can help keep you and others safe.

1. Wear a Helmet: Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended and can help reduce the risk of serious injury.
2. Follow the Rules of the Trial: Always make sure you understand and follow the conditions of use for Beryl e-scooters.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, especially at junctions and crossings.
4. Ride Responsibly: Travel at an appropriate speed for the conditions and avoid risky manoeuvres.
5. Park Considerately: Use designated parking areas where required and avoid blocking pavements or access routes.
6. Never Share a Scooter: Beryl e-scooters are designed for one rider at a time.
7. Don’t Ride Under the Influence: Never use an e-scooter after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Know the Difference.

Find out more about e-scooter safety: https://tinyurl.com/EscootersEBikes

Find out more about Beryl e-scooters and the Plymouth trial: https://beryl.cc/e-scooters-plymouth