Cornwall Launches E-Scooter Trial Across Four Towns

Rental e-scooters are set to arrive in Cornwall this week as part of a new trial aimed at assessing whether the vehicles could play a long-term role in the county’s transport network.

From 18 June, the scheme will introduce e-scooters in Penzance, Falmouth and Penryn, Newquay and Truro, complementing the existing Beryl e-bike hire service already operating in those locations.

The initiative forms part of a wider Department for Transport programme designed to evaluate how e-scooters can be safely integrated into local transport systems and whether they can provide a practical alternative for short-distance journeys.

Trial to Support Future Transport Planning

To enable the rollout, Cornwall Council has implemented an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), allowing rental e-scooters to be used in designated areas where cycling is permitted, unless signage states otherwise.

Riders will be able to travel on roads, cycle routes and shared-use paths but will not be permitted to use pavements.

The council hopes the trial will provide valuable evidence on how e-scooters interact with other transport modes, influence travel behaviour and improve connections to public transport services.

Officials believe the scheme could offer residents and visitors a convenient alternative for shorter journeys while helping to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Fleet Distribution and Pricing

The trial will utilise the same parking infrastructure already established for Beryl’s e-bike network.

Approximately 50 e-scooters will be available in each of Penzance, Falmouth/Penryn and Newquay, while around 25 scooters will be deployed in Truro.

Users will pay a £1 unlocking fee plus 22p per minute for each journey. Customers who purchase ride-minute bundles in advance will not be charged the unlocking fee.

Beryl will be responsible for operating, maintaining and managing the fleet throughout the trial, supported by local contractors who will service both scooters and bicycles.

Cornwall Council has confirmed that its direct financial contribution is limited to staffing and the implementation of the necessary traffic regulation orders.

Safety Measures and User Requirements

Anyone wishing to use the service must register through the Beryl mobile app.

As part of the registration process, users will be required to provide a valid physical driving licence and complete a facial recognition verification check.

New riders must also complete a short safety tutorial explaining how the vehicles should be used and where riding is permitted.

To support safe operation, the scooters will initially be restricted to a maximum speed of 12.5mph.

The Department for Transport may review this cap in the future, with the possibility of increasing the maximum speed to 15.5mph.

Technology built into the vehicles will automatically reduce speeds in designated Go Slow Zones, where scooters will be limited to 7.5mph. These areas are generally located in busy pedestrian environments.

No Go Zones will also be enforced, preventing scooters from operating in locations such as skate parks and other restricted areas.

Users will not be allowed to carry passengers, ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or wear headphones or earbuds while travelling.

Public Feedback to Shape Future Decisions

Throughout the trial period, Cornwall Council will collect data on usage patterns, journey numbers, safety performance and wider transport impacts.

The findings will help inform future decisions on whether the scheme should continue, be expanded, modified or discontinued.

The data will also contribute to national research examining the role e-scooters could play in future transport networks across the UK.

Residents, businesses, visitors and other road users are being encouraged to share their views on the initiative.

A dedicated public survey will launch on 2 July, allowing people to provide feedback through Cornwall Council’s consultation platform and help shape the future of the trial.

The introduction of e-scooters represents the latest step in Cornwall’s efforts to diversify sustainable travel options and explore new ways of improving local mobility while reducing transport emissions.