• 200 purple e-scooters will launch in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder today
• Beam data shows e-scooters support first mile/last mile travel, increasing usage of public transport

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[30 March 2022] Australia’s largest shared micromobility company Beam will commence shared e-scooter operations across the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder today, marking the city’s first shared e-scooter trial.

200 of Beam’s leading e-scooters will be introduced to the streets, available for use 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, improving transport options and connections for both leisure and commuting.

The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates, from $1 to unlock and $0.55 per minute.  

Beam’s operating area will include Kalgoorlie, South-Kalgoorlie, Lamington, Hannans, Somerville, Boulder and South Boulder.

Operations will support connecting residents and visitors to the Kalgoorlie Train Station, connecting the Boulder and Kalgoorlie CBD’s, Burt Street precinct, Hannan Street precinct, accommodation providers and local attractions - Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre and Museum of the Goldfields.

Beam also employs geo-fencing technology, with Slow Zones, No Parking Zones and No Ride Zones in effect to keep riders riding safely in Beam’s operating area.

‘Virtual’ parking docks will be seen within the app, with riders directed within the Beam app to appropriate parking spots at the end of their trip.

With safety for both riders and pedestrians as Beam’s biggest priority, Beam’s safety-first e-scooters feature tip-resistant dual kickstands, audio alerts, anti-topple detection, a helmet with every ride and automatic geofencing controls.

Beam will host a free real-world training course at Goldfields Art Centre on Friday 31 March from 10am - 1pm to teach visitors and locals e-scooter safety.

It forms part of Beam’s major safety education and enforcement program, the Beam Safe Academy, aimed at educating riders on local riding rules and safe handling of e-scooters. The program includes:

• A pre-trip in-app safety briefing for every rider, featuring instructions on how to park and ride safely
• An in-app Beam Safety Quiz educating riders on the riding rules, with free credits offered to encourage rider education
• Beam Safety Ambassadors patrolling high-traffic areas, promoting safe riding and parking
• A three-strikes policy, with riders facing suspension for bad riding and parking offences. Those caught riding dangerously or breaking the law face permanent bans.

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This marks the first shared micromobility operations for residents and visitors to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and comes as the latest research from Beam reveals that 40% of Beam riders are more likely to consider public transport as an option for long journeys, over cars or ridesharing, if they have the option to rely on shared micromobility for first and last mile transport.

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Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said:

“We’re thrilled to be commencing shared micromobility operations in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and look forward to providing a viable option for those living and working within Beam’s operational area to leave their cars at home and hop on an e-scooter instead.

“We believe that micromobility is a transport solution that can work for cities of all sizes and demographics, aiding in easing car congestion and ensuring safe, sustainable and technology-backed transportation for all residents.

“We look forward to a long-standing relationship with the local communities in which we operate, and in bringing a positive environmental impact to the city.”