Bristol's shared e-bike and e-scooter scheme is run by Dott, not Beryl, which is a different operator used in cities like Plymouth and Bradford. Dott has run Bristol's bikes and scooters since 3 September 2024, when it replaced the previous operator TIER, and you rent through the Dott app on a pay-as-you-go basis with a £1 unlock fee plus a per-minute charge shown in the app before you ride.
Why you might have heard "Beryl bikes"
If you searched for "Beryl bikes Bristol," it's worth knowing Beryl doesn't currently operate in Bristol. Beryl runs shared e-bikes and e-scooters in other UK towns and cities, including Plymouth and Brighton, and is expanding to places like Bradford in 2026, but Bristol's own scheme is a separate operator, Dott. It's an easy mix-up since the two companies do a similar job in different cities. For Bristol and Bath, Dott is the one to download.
How Dott e-bike and e-scooter hire works in Bristol
You find and unlock a bike or scooter through the Dott app, available on iOS and Android. Both vehicles come with a phone holder with built-in wireless charging, GPS tracking and an integrated lock. To end your ride, you have to park in a marked parking bay shown on the app's map and lock the vehicle there, rather than leaving it anywhere on the street.
| E-bike | E-scooter | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 | 18, with a full or provisional driving licence |
| How you pay | Dott app, pay-as-you-go or a pass | Dott app, pay-as-you-go or a pass |
| Unlock fee | £1 | £1 |
| Per-minute rate | Shown in-app before you ride | Shown in-app before you ride |
| Where you can ride | Roads and cycle lanes | Roads and cycle lanes, not pavements |
| Where you park | Marked Dott parking bay only | Marked Dott parking bay only |
Pricing
Dott's standard pay-as-you-go structure is a £1 unlock fee plus a per-minute rate, shown in the app before you confirm a ride, and this can change, so check the app for the current rate rather than relying on a fixed figure here. Dott also offers passes in the app, including discounted multi-ride bundles for the day and a 30-day unlimited-rides option at a reduced rate; open the app to see the exact current prices for each. University of Bristol and University of Bath students and staff get a 35% discount on pay-as-you-go rides through the Dott Scholars Scheme if you sign up with a university email address.
Finding and parking a bike
Dott runs on a hybrid model: you can see nearby bikes and scooters on the map in the app, and you have to end your ride in a marked parking bay, not just anywhere convenient. Parking bays are shown live on the map, and leaving a vehicle outside one risks an extra charge, so it's worth checking the map before you set off if you want to be sure there's a bay near your destination. Dott's bikes and scooters can be hired 24 hours a day in Bristol, after the operator dropped its earlier midnight curfew.
E-bike vs e-scooter: which to pick
The e-bike is the better choice if you're carrying anything, going further, or would rather pedal with electric assistance than balance on a scooter deck, and the age limit is lower at 16 with no licence requirement. The e-scooter is quicker for a short, flat hop around the centre or Harbourside, but you need to be 18 with a full or provisional UK driving licence to ride one, which the app checks when you sign up.
Helmets and safety
Neither Dott nor UK law currently requires a helmet to ride a shared e-bike or e-scooter, though wearing one is sensible, especially on busier roads. E-scooters can legally only be ridden on roads and cycle lanes, not pavements, and taking a passenger isn't allowed.
Getting started
Download the Dott app, create an account, add a payment card, and you'll be able to see available bikes and scooters plus marked parking bays on the map straight away. If you're coming into the city and want to compare it with other ways of getting around once you arrive, see our guides to MetroBus, Uber in Bristol and Bristol's park and ride sites if you're driving in.
FAQs
Does Bristol have Beryl bikes?
No. Bristol's shared e-bike and e-scooter scheme is run by Dott, not Beryl. Beryl operates in other UK cities, which is a common source of confusion.
How old do you have to be to hire an e-bike in Bristol?
16, with no driving licence required. For an e-scooter, you need to be 18 and hold a full or provisional UK driving licence.
How much does it cost to hire a Dott e-bike in Bristol?
Pay-as-you-go starts with a £1 unlock fee plus a per-minute rate shown in the Dott app before you ride. Rates and pass prices can change, so check the app for the current figure.
Can I ride a Dott e-scooter on the pavement?
No. E-scooters can only be ridden on roads and in cycle lanes, never on pavements, and you can't carry a passenger.
Where can I leave a Dott bike or scooter at the end of my ride?
Only in a marked Dott parking bay, shown on the live map in the app. Leaving it elsewhere risks an extra charge.
Can students get a discount on Dott in Bristol?
Yes. University of Bristol and University of Bath students and staff can get a 35% discount on pay-as-you-go rides through the Dott Scholars Scheme by signing up with a university email.
Can I hire a Dott bike at any time of day?
Yes. Dott scrapped its earlier midnight riding curfew, so bikes and scooters are available to hire 24 hours a day in Bristol.