My review after trying Brighton's new Beryl e-scooters

A lack of balance and fitness mean I'm rarely seen on two wheels.

However, both of these shortcomings are negated by the addition of electric power.

E-bikes have become a ubiquitous presence on UK city streets, and even for a bicycle-phobic Billy like myself, they're a fun and fairly easy way to get around.

And, much like a wheel, the world of battery-powered personal transport keeps on turning.

Now, there's a new kid on the block; the electronic scooter.

The newly resplendent St Peter's church (Image: The Argus)

Having clogged the pavements of modern metropolises around the world, it's now Brighton's turn to welcome the rentable e-scooter.

A trial kicked off in July, running until May next year, with 100 Beryl e-scooters available to rent from 20 central locations.

'What good can come of this?', I hear you ask. I headed to the nearest rental hub to find out.

Before scooting away into the sunset, one must first install the Beryl app, and scan your driving licence.

E-scooters can only be ridden on the road, in cycle lanes or in shared spaces - they won’t be allowed on pavements and accounts may be suspended or cancelled for failing to comply, the rules state.

"No hiring on behalf of others", Beryl commands.

"No drink riding," she adds, a boring and sensible suggestion that I'm sure the people of Brighton will stringently abide by.

Posing at the Palace Pier (Image: The Argus)

Before I knew it, I was away, streaming down North Road, the Dome whizzing past as I swerved around a couple ambling into the road.

I zoomed along Valley Gardens, attempting to get a feel for the brakes and a sense of how to steer the thing, while simultaneously avoid objects and humans.

My first stop was the newly resplendent St Peter's.

After a bit of practice in the church's forecourt, I continued following the cycle path north.

I did attempt to enter The Level as I passed alongside it, but parks are "restricted areas", which the scooter knows all too well.

It beeped stridently at me, telling me off like a naughty schoolboy, and refused to go any further.

The scooter wouldn't let me ride across The Level (Image: The Argus)

Suitably scolded, I returned to the path and followed it along Lewes Road.

Onwards and onwards I rode, the wind ruffling my curls as I reached extreme speeds of 12.5mph (the limit for these Beryl machines).

I took a left to pay my respects to Moulsecoomb station.

Coming back down the hill, the limiter failed and I managed to get it up to 15mph, which frankly is too fast for any mortal man.

I rejoined Lewes Road and followed it up to Coldean Lane, where I indulged in a brief off-road excursion in the woods.

(I neglected to tell Beryl that I broke two e-scooters last time I was in Madrid...)

Showing off to my colleagues outside the Argus office (Image: The Argus)

Next, back towards the centre of Brighton. On my way, I wondered how well the scooter would handle a large hill.

Elm Grove, did I hear you say?

I swung left and attempted the great ascent. I was making steady progress while I still had my initial momentum, but I was soon brought to a halt by a dreaded traffic light.

I seriously doubted the 30kg behemoth would be able to get going again on such an incline.

I clenched as the light turned green, cars queuing behind me.

Oh ye of little faith! Undeterred by the alpine conditions, my trusty steed had no problem pulling easily away, carrying me on to Brighton Racecourse.

The scooter had no problem getting up Elm Grove to the racecourse (Image: The Argus)

As is often the way, coming down was more of a challenge, but we managed safely enough.

My next destination was the beach, which meant using some of the new cycle lanes at Old Steine and the aquarium.

I did get a little confused and almost got into a fight with a bus, but eventually he backed off and let me through, and I reached the seafront.

Here, the name of the game is: 'avoid all the people who have no idea that they're walking straight into a busy two-way cycle lane'. A jolly pursuit indeed.

I glided along the coast to the King Alfred (RIP) and back, savouring the glorious evening sunshine.

One final burst up North Street, plus a quick visit to Argus Towers to show off to my colleague Joseph, and it was time to put the scooter back where I found it.

It's a brave new world at the Sealife Centre these days (Image: The Argus)

121 minutes, 21.5km, £25.20.

It was a fun couple of hours touring the city, but I don't think I'll hire one again.

I don't quite see the point of them; slower and slightly more difficult to handle than an e-bike. And a sore thumb from holding the throttle down.

Two wheels?

I'll stick to two feet, thanks.

Thanks for reading Pring It On! for the past 12 months! Can you believe it's been a whole year?

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