Micromobility operator Beryl and Westminster City Council have announced the launch of a new rental scheme for e-cargo bikes.
The pair hope to encourage residents to make use of more sustainable transport options, with four new e-cargo bikes are now available to hire in Westminster as part of a new six-month pilot.
The bikes will be available for hire from the following locations: Sainsbury’s Local on Harrow Road; opposite Westminster Academy, Harrow Road; outside Kennet House residential tower block, Church Street; and
outside Holland & Barrett, Warwick Way.
Beryl CEO and co-founder Phil Ellis, said: “We know from running an e-cargo bike hire pilot scheme in Hackney that our e-cargo bikes can be incredibly useful to many people, from businesses and tradesmen to families and individuals.
“They’re not only fun and sustainable, they have a wide range of uses and are a great way to avoid being sat in endless traffic queues while boosting your mental and physical health. The vehicles are also extremely convenient and cost-effective when compared to private vehicle ownership, removing the burden of storage as well as the cost of fuel, tax, maintenance, MOT and insurance.”
For extra power, the bikes are fitted with an electric-assist motor, meaning they are suited for transporting small to medium loads, such as work tools, shopping or sports equipment, according to Beryl.
What’s more, they can be also be used on cycle lanes, offering an alternative to vans and cars to help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion in and around Westminster.
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, cabinet member for city management and air quality at Westminster City Council said: “The launch of these new e-cargo bikes in partnership with Beryl is one of the innovative ways the council is providing residents and businesses a good, sustainable alternative to cars and vans so we can create a fairer Westminster for everyone to live in and enjoy.”
The e-cargo bikes can be hired via the Beryl app, which can be found on the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android users.
Users must pay a standard £1.50 fee to unlock the vehicles, followed by 10p-per-minute fare.
