The UK city of Leeds is starting an e-scooter trial in partnership with train operator LNER and micromobility company Beryl.

Building on the success of the LNER Beryl Bikes scheme, the introduction of e-scooters provides residents, workers and visitors with another convenient, low-carbon way to travel across the city.

The trial supports the ambitions of the Connecting Leeds transport strategy by improving connectivity, reducing congestion and helping more people choose emission-free journeys for everyday trips.

The e-scooter rollout builds on the existing public bike hire scheme already operating across Leeds. By integrating e-scooters into the same network, riders benefit from a seamless experience using familiar parking locations and the same Beryl app.

With bikes and e-scooters operating together, the expanded network offers flexibility for short trips, commuting and last-kilometre connections beyond the train.

The e-scooters operate as part of the UK government’s Department for Transport trial framework, ensuring they are used legally and responsibly within a regulated environment.

Unlike privately owned e-scooters, which remain illegal for use on public roads in the UK and are not insurable, shared e-scooters within the trial include insurance as part of the hire and operate under strict safety controls. To hire an e-scooter, riders must be aged 18 or over and hold a valid full, provisional or supported international driving licence. Helmet use is strongly encouraged.

Beryl (beryl.cc) e-scooters have been engineered for UK urban environments, with safety and reliability at the core of their design. GPS-enabled geo-fencing automatically manages speed limits and parking compliance. Tracking technology enforces slow-go and no-ride zones in busy or shared spaces.

The autonomous electromagnetic braking systems is designed for hills and wet conditions. Always-on front and rear lights provide better visibility. A large front wheel and suspension fork improve stability on uneven roads. The e-scooters have tamper-resistant hardware and remote locking capability.

Riders are also supported through in-app education modules designed to promote responsible riding behaviour.

The launch forms part of a wider programme of sustainable transport growth, demonstrating how shared mobility infrastructure can evolve over time. Existing docking infrastructure installed for the bike hire scheme has been designed to support future vehicle types, helping ensure long-term value for the city.

An initial fleet of 100 e-scooters will operate within the same area as the LNER (www.lner.co.uk) Beryl Bikes scheme, with further expansion planned. Residents can download the Beryl app to get started or find out more about riding safely and responsibly.