[16 April 2024] Australia’s largest micromobility company Beam will bring its brand of community-first micromobility to Bendigo for a 12-month trial.

Beam e-scooters will be available for hire in Bendigo from late May, accessible via downloading the Beam app and scanning the QR code on the e-scooters. The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates and ‘virtual docking’ to protect city amenity.

Beam has operations across every state and territory in Australia, with over 1.7 million active riders across the country and a presence in both capital and regional cities.

Beam will deploy its Saturn 5 e-scooters, featuring safety-first technology to support both rider safety and that of other road users, including GPS tracking, geofencing and speed limiting technology to ensure safe integration into the city’s transport network.

The e-scooters will also feature tip-resistant dual kickstands, front suspension, triple brakes, wireless charging phone holders, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries.

Beam’s ‘Beam Safe Academy’, the company’s major safety education and enforcement program, will be in place to educate 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 offenses. Those caught riding dangerously or breaking the law face permanent bans.
• In-person safety sessions to teach riders how to operate an e-scooter safely.

Beam General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said the company was thrilled to be appointed as the City of Greater Bendigo’s shared micromobility partner.

“Data from our other Australian operations shows a shift from cars to a preference for e-scooters for shorter trips under 5 km, and we look forward to seeing the same trend in Bendigo.

“As we prepare to commence our operations in Bendigo, we are committed to forming partnerships with local community members and organisations, and engaging in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians and other road users.

“We know e-scooters are new to the community, and we are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure riders know their responsibilities when on an e-scooter.

“We are confident that our experience across other Australian markets will ensure operations are a success.”  

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was delighted Beam was on board for the trial, after a Public Request for Quotation process was held earlier this year.

“Beam is well-versed in operating e-scooter hire schemes and will bring their knowledge and expertise to Bendigo’s 12-month trial,” Cr Metcalf said.  

“The e-scooters will provide an accessible and sustainable transport option for short trips that will allow residents and visitors to explore urban Bendigo in a new way, improve connectivity between significant precincts and destinations and stimulate new business and tourism opportunities.”