[2 March 2022] Australia’s largest shared micromobility company Beam will commence shared e-bike operations across Victoria, within the City of Hobsons Bay and City of Melton, from this Friday.

250 of Beam’s leading e-bikes will be introduced to the streets, available for use 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, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.51 per minute.

Within the City of Hobsons Bay, Beam’s operating area will include key suburbs including Williamstown, Spotswood, Altona, Altona Meadows and Laverton. Operations will specifically target connecting residents and visitors to the region’s train stations, including Williamstown, Seaholme, and Laverton stations.

Within the City of Melton, Beam’s operating area will include key Caroline Springs, Ravenhall and Taylors hill destinations like Caroline Springs Square, the train station and lake.  

‘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, the safety-first e-bikes feature tip-resistant dual kickstands, a helmet with every ride and automatic geofencing controls.

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Beam’s flagship rider education and enforcement program, the Beam Safe Academy, will also be in place, including:

• 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 both local government areas, 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.

15 local jobs have been created to support Beam’s Victorian operations.

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

“We’re thrilled to be commencing shared micromobility operations in Victoria, and look forward to providing a viable option for those living and working within Beam’s operational areas to leave their cars at home and hop on an e-bike 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 to further expansion across the state following this initial launch.”

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