A new electric bike here scheme is coming to three Dorset towns.

It’s been announced by Dorset Council that it has finalised a contract with Beryl Bikes for a new bicycle hire scheme covering Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.

The scheme is due to be opened to the public by late August 2024. 

It will be fully funded by Dorset Council and across the three towns will provide 30 parking bays and 121 e-bikes.

Dorset Council and Beryl Bikes have already opened the scheme in Wimborne and Ferndown.

There are also Beryl Bikes at Wool train station and Bovington, giving easy access for visitors to Monkey World, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

READ: New bike scheme arrives in Wool - set to boost tourism across Dorset

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “We’re looking forward to these new e-bikes arriving in Portland, Weymouth and Dorchester.

"They offer the perfect way to explore this wonderful area and, with the added electric boost, you’ll be able to make light work of the trip.”  

Bicycle hire schemes provide an affordable and sustainable transport system with the benefit of giving people an enjoyable healthy way to travel.

Users will be able to pay for their journeys in a variety of ways to suit individual needs and circumstances, with Pay-As-You-Ride, Minute Bundle and various pass options.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for climate, continued: “As a council, we are committed to addressing climate change, and we have an important role to play in driving our county towards net zero.

"This innovative scheme makes it easier for more residents and visitors to enjoy Dorset’s great outdoors while helping protect the environment too.”

READ: Proposals for new electric scooter scheme in Weymouth

For several years Dorchester Transport Action Group has strongly supported and called for a bicycle hire scheme for the town and are 'delighted' with the outcome.

Dorchester Chamber for Business president Steve Bulley also welcomed the news.

He said: ”For many years the air quality has been a concern in Dorchester town centre. We welcome this initiative and hope that it will be well used.”

The e-bikes will be hired from and returned to designated ‘Beryl bays’, which will be located following consultation with key local stakeholders

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “Dorset is not only a picturesque area with plenty to see and do, it also has a clear ambition to encourage more sustainable transport choices.

“Our e-bikes are a fun, easy and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys.

“They’re also great for commuting, helping to reduce physical exertion and allowing people to arrive at work clean and ready to go.

“By encouraging more people to swap four wheels for two, we can hopefully contribute even more towards reducing traffic congestion while improving air quality and public health.”

More information on how the Beryl Bikes scheme works visit https://beryl.cc/