• 260 new Apollo Lites join the existing e-bikes for a total of 380 Beam e-bikes in Brisbane
• The upgrade seeks to grow Brisbane’s cycling and scooting commuter base, and support first-mile and last-mile connectivity

[6 June 2024] In an Australia-first, global micromobility company Beam has unveiled its newest e-bike - the Apollo Lite - in Brisbane, with the city’s purple e-bike fleet to get an upgrade from today.

Brisbane will be the first city in Australia to roll out the red carpet for Beam’s newest Apollo Lite e-bikes, which retains the leading safety features and IoT technology of Beam’s e-bikes and e-scooters while introducing new elements for enhanced inclusiveness and accessibility, supporting a growing commuter demand for alternative forms of transportation to cars.

The latest research from Beam reveals that 43% of riders across Brisbane utilise the service for commuting to their place of work or study.

Whilst the new Apollo Lites will be deployed all across the city, Beam will also focus on ensuring additional deployments in the areas of Kangaroo Point and Morningside, supporting commutes whilst the Morningside Train Station and Mowbray Park Ferry Terminal undergo upgrades.

The new Apollo Lite design also aims to close the gender gap in micromobility, with Beam’s recent rider survey showing that only 34% of e-bike riders in Brisbane identify as female, with many preferring e-scooters, finding them easier to maneuver.

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Hardware upgrades for safety, inclusiveness and durability

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The Apollo Lite boasts a range of hardware upgrades, including a broader adjustable seat height (supporting heights from 1.55m) to accommodate a wider range of rider heights, a more lightweight frame for easier maneuvering, smaller handlebars, and wider tires for a smoother ride across uneven surfaces.

Additionally, the e-bike features automatic up-hill detection, providing real-time assistance to riders tackling inclines.

The Apollo Lite's lighter frame and customisable features aim to attract a more diverse range of riders while bridging the gap.

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‍Beam’s Regional Operations Manager Andrew Dodd said:

“We’re committed to constantly innovating and bringing the latest technology and hardware to our operations in Brisbane.

“Our aim is for the commuter-friendly Apollo Lite to open up riding across longer distances, and to open up shared micromobility to community members who may not have thought an e-bike was for them.

“We’ve also taken on board feedback from riders, who have said they would prefer a lighter e-bike suitable to a greater range of heights, hence opening up cycling as a transportation option for more people.

“In particular, we believe we’ll see a big uptake of the new e-bikes as part of first mile and last mile transport, providing enhanced connections for commuters with buses, ferries and trains across the city.”

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These new additions to Brisbane's streets will be available for rent through Beam’s app-based service, featuring the same affordable rates as Beam’s purple e-scooters.

Students and concession card holders can ride for 50% off via Beam’s ‘BeamForAll’ program.