[20 December 2022] Australia and New Zealand’s largest shared micromobility company Beam will commence shared e-scooter operations in Queenstown as early as next month, as it seeks expressions of interest from local businesses interested in hosting e-scooters. 

The shared e-scooters will be accessible via the Beam app, and feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates and short-term subscription passes, catering to both locals and visitors.

Fixed ‘virtual docking’ (parking) spots will be set up at partner business locations, with the businesses earning commission per trip. 

Confirmed e-scooter parking locations include DoubleTree by Hilton, FreshChoice Queenstown and The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers where riders will find Beam’s e-scooters available for hire. The e-scooters can then be parked at any partner location following a trip. 

Beam’s operations will bring not only access to shared e-scooters for local residents and visitors to the city, but also stimulate the local economy, with 6 out of every 10 Beam trips in New Zealand involving a purchase at a local business. 

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Beam’s Head of Partnerships Adam Rossetto said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing a new mode of transport to residents and visitors of Queenstown, and we are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure riders know their responsibilities when on an e-scooter, and that they contribute positively to the city’s local economy.

“We will be spending the next few weeks finalising partnerships with local businesses around town, and aim to launch operations as early as next month. 

“We know that riders see more of the city when on an e-scooter, and businesses see increased expenditure as a result of this. We are confident that operations will contribute positively to Queenstown’s local economy.” 

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FreshChoice Queenstown owner Tony Wild said:

“We are thrilled that Beam will soon launch e-scooters in Queenstown. 

“FreshChoice will support Beam’s operations by providing space for a dedicated Parking Hub, which will help encourage more people to visit and shop in our store.

“We believe that e-scooters are a sustainable and affordable form of transport that will help drive positive outcomes within the local community. 

“It’ll open up more of Queenstown and encourage locals and visitors to eat, play, see and shop at a wider selection of local businesses.”

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Beam will deploy its latest Saturn 5 e-scooter in Queenstown, featuring high precision ‘geofencing’ and increased GPS accuracy, ensuring riders remain inside the approved e-scooter operational zones, and swift action as the rider moves between zones with differing restrictions (e.g. automatically slowing the e-scooter down in a slow zone).

With rider and community safety at the forefront, Beam’s three-strikes policy will be in place, ensuring those not adhering to the riding rules are suspended from the platform.

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Local businesses interested in hosting e-scooters on their property can reach out via ridebeam.info/queenstown. 

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