[17 February, 2022] Global micromobility company Beam, in collaboration with RAA has launched a new e-scooter safety campaign across Adelaide.

Coinciding with the commencement of Adelaide Fringe, the Beam Summer of Safety campaign is part of a joint effort to educate the general public on the safest way to ride e-scooters.

Beam is the largest shared micromobility operator in Australia and New Zealand, with more than fifteen million kilometres travelled across the region to date.

The Adelaide Fringe is one of the busiest periods for e-scooter usage in the city, with a 63% uplift in trips over this time.

RAA is the State’s leading voice on road safety and mobility and provides a range of products and services aimed at keeping its 800,000 members safely moving at home, on the road or on holiday.

This campaign will include digital safety education via Beam and RAA channels, and an in-person safety school.

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The focus of the digital campaign and safety pop-up are six key safety messages ahead of the Adelaide Fringe Festival:

• Wear your helmet;
• Don’t use your phone while riding;
• Don’t drink and ride;
• Give way to pedestrians;
• Don’t share an e-scooter – one rider per vehicle.
• Park responsibly after use.

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The in-person ‘Beam Safe Academy’ pop up will be held on 10 March at Victoria Square from 10:30am - 6pm, where community members can learn how to ride an e-scooter. Attendance is free.

Currently e-scooters can be legally used in South Australia as part of share scheme trials only.

However, the Opposition introduced a Bill into Parliament earlier this month that could be a game-changer for e-scooter riders in South Australia.

The Bill aims to abolish the $2,000 fines for riders caught using privately owned e-scooters in public spaces, by enabling all e-scooters – and some other mobility devices – to be ridden on road or road related areas safely.

Beam General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper says the campaign video is done in a fun and entertaining way, incorporating some of the great things about an Aussie summer but with a serious message.

“Safety for both riders and pedestrians is our biggest priority, and our industry-leading e-scooters have in-built sensors and speed controls, a helmet with every ride, and an in-app safety school to educate riders on how to ride safely.

“We know education is key to good rider behaviour and we take that commitment seriously.

“Festival season in Adelaide is the busiest time of the year for e-scooter trips, and we often see new riders jump on an e-scooter for the first time during this time, and regular riders ride more frequently.

“We take rider education really seriously and are spreading the message of riding safely far and wide so riders feel confident from their first ride.

“Beam will be increasing its on-the-ground staff during this busy season to enforce proper riding and help new riders with their first trips.

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RAA Future Mobility Specialist Mark Borlace says “RAA is proud to support the Beam Summer of Safety campaign and help educate users about the safe use of e-scooters.

“Personal Mobility Devices such as e-scooters are growing in popularity globally as people look for more innovative, efficient and sustainable ways to move around cities and communities.

“Adelaide is no different, with trials currently underway in the CBD.

“We know that the chances of someone having an accident are higher during the first few rides and diminish over time.

By collaborating with Beam on its Summer of Safety campaign we hope to amplify its safety tips for first time riders,”

he said.

This campaign complements Beam’s online rider education and enforcement program Beam Safe Academy, which features a comprehensive in-app and in-person educational program, with every rider educated on the riding rules prior to commencing their first trip.