An electric rental bike has been dumped in the lake at a nature reserve.

The Beryl Bike has been found at the Radipole Lake Nature Reserve close to the Swannery car park yesterday afternoon. 

The bike was found in Radipole LakeThe bike was found in Radipole Lake (Image: Supplied) The bike was one of 120 available from 30 bays across the Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland area with a phone app used to unlock, lock and pay for their use. They were installed just over two weeks ago at the end of last month. 

Pictures show the bike's submerged in the water with the distinctive green colouring. It is not known how damaged the bike was. 

The bike was found in Radipole LakeThe bike was found in Radipole Lake (Image: Supplied) A Weymouth resident who came across the sight, said: "I was really surprised to see it in the water, especially in a nature reserve."

Another local said: "Unbelievable, some people ruin everyone else's fun." 

For users who fail to return the machines to their designated areas marked out on the ground with paint, there could be an excess charge of £10 to pay. On top of this, Beryl know at all times where the machines are with GPS tracking onboard each bike.

The bikes are maintained by Beryl staff on a regular basis with the app able to tell you how much power each machine has available.

Peter Robertson, Site Manager for the RSPB Dorset nature reserves, said: “We ask people to please not dispose of rubbish in our lakes and rivers, as it causes harm to these special places and the wildlife that lives there. Please take unwanted items to your local recycling centre.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Council, said: "The management of the new scheme and the bikes sits entirely with Beryl. People can report abandoned bikes to Beryl through their app or on their website."

A spokesperson for Beryl Bikes, said: "We want to take care of our bikes and scooters so that as many people can ride them as possible.

"If you see a bike or scooter which is broken or left in a place where it really shouldn't be, we'd be very grateful if you could let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.

"You can reach us through the in-app chat or via the chat on the website with details of the bike's location and we'll send someone out to rescue it."

The incident was not reported to Dorset Police.

Dorset Council, Beryl Bikes, and the RSPB have been approached for comment.