BERYL has launched a scheme to provide electric bikes (e-bikes) for Island residents who regularly travel between Newport and Cowes.

The operator, who already runs e-scooter hire on the Island, is making e-bikes available in Newport and Cowes over the next six months.

Participants will be able to use the Beryl bikes for free for one month and will be incentivised through mile payments of 60p per mile, up to £50 a month.

The two towns are connected by the Red Squirrel Trail.

The trail is just over 5km in length and offers an attractive traffic free cycling experience.

Delivered in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and the Department of Transport, the scheme has several key objectives, including providing those who may not currently have access to an e-bike with an opportunity to try one.

Beryl CEO Philip Ellis said: "We’re delighted to be running this scheme.

"Scooters on the Island have already been used by over 12,500 individual users and the benefits that e-bikes can provide should be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

"With price often being a barrier to ownership, schemes such as this will play a key role in widening and expanding access.

"We can’t wait to see people riding in Newport and Cowes and look forward to hearing people’s experiences of using our e-bikes."

If you are interested in applying, visit www.beryl.cc/news/introducing-e-bike-rental-pilot-on-the-isle-of-wight