• The five-year permit is the longest-running shared micromobility permit awarded in Australia
• Beam piloted Esperance’s first shared micromobility program from December 2021

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[28 November 2022] Global micromobility company Beam’s e-scooters are here to stay in Esperance, with the Shire of Esperance awarding Beam a five-year permit for operations until December 2027 following a successful trial - the longest-running permit awarded in Australia to date. 

The 12-month shared micromobility trial, which commenced in December last year, saw 200 purple e-scooters deployed across the beachside town and 270,000 kilometres ridden to date.

Despite the Shire of Esperance having one of the lowest population densities in Australia, the e-scooters have seen high usage rates, with each e-scooter used on average four times a day - showing a reliance on the new mode of transport for regular travel, as opposed to primarily leisure trips.

Whilst Esperance receives high tourism numbers during the warmer months, high usage rates throughout the year also speak to locals’ reliance on the new transport mode. In fact, data shows that over 50% of trips on a Beam e-scooter have a purpose - whether it is commuting to work or study, shopping or visiting friends and family. 

6 out of 10 Beam trips also end in a purchase at a business, aiding in the local economy. 

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

“We’re absolutely delighted to be staying in Esperance after a successful year of trial operations, and have been blown away with the success of the trial. 

“We’ve heard great stories from members of the community about how the e-scooters have aided in youth employment, supported tourism and the local economy and provided a much-needed public transport option for locals and visitors alike. 

“We thank the Shire of Esperance for their confidence in issuing us a five-year permit, and in particular the Council’s comments on Beam’s responsiveness and ability to adapt to local conditions throughout the trial - we’re committed to continuing and improving on this in the coming years.

“We look forward to deepening our relationships with the local community as we continue to grow our operations here in Esperance. 

“As always, community safety remains our first priority, and we are excited to continue to introduce the latest micromobility technology to the region in the months and years to come.” 

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