• Beam to be Hobart’s sole shared micromobility operator, bringing upgraded Saturn 5 e-scooters
• Tasmania-first seated e-scooters to form part of upgraded fleet
• Beam brings increased focus on rider enforcement, with ‘Pedestrian Shield’ tech to be integrated

‍[12 March 2024] Beam, the country’s largest shared micromobility company, has won an exclusive 12-month operational license to operate in Hobart, following a competitive tender process led by the City of Hobart. Beam will build on its existing shared micromobility service across the city, bringing more e-scooters, upgraded technology and new fleet types to Hobart for the first time.

“We are pleased to be bringing big changes to Hobart’s shared micromobility program over the next twelve months, in partnership with the City of Hobart,” says Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper.

‍“Over 800,000 kilometres have been ridden on Beams across the City of Hobart, and e-scooters are now a mainstream transport choice for significant numbers of the population who have access to them.

“Amongst the changes we’re making, we’re excited to introduce our Saturn 5 e-scooter to Hobart, which was developed particularly for mature e-scooter markets.“

It caters for longer commuting journeys with features like wireless phone charging and auditory alerts, as well as improved geo-fencing capabilities to ensure safe operation of micromobility alongside other modes of transport.

“We see Hobart as an optimal city for us to be introducing new technology and new vehicle types, with an increased focus on accelerating modal shift away from cars in a safe and affordable way.  

“We continue to be 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.”  

‍Tasmania-first micromobility technology to be introduced

‍Beam will bring its Saturn 5 e-scooter to Hobart, featuring a new-generation IOT, high precision geofencing and increased GPS accuracy, ensuring riders remain inside approved micromobility vehicle use zones, and swift action as the rider moves between zones with differing restrictions.The Saturn 5 also adds wireless phone charging capabilities, enabling longer journeys, and new-generation clear audio messaging, with safe riding reminders and riding zone changes now delivered audibly, so riders don’t take their eyes off their journey.  

To further insulate the rider from unevenness of roads and pavements, the Saturn 5 features larger front and back wheels, giving riders an increased sense of confidence whilst on the scooter.

Beam’s AI-powered Pedestrian Shield technology will be integrated into its e-scooter fleet from mid-2024, incorporating road surface detection for better rider and pedestrian safety.With Pedestrian Shield, Beam’s e-scooters will accurately and reliably identify whether the vehicle is traveling on footpaths, streets or bike lanes,  enabling Beam to employ riding restrictions and educate riders on safe riding in and around the cities, by providing specific in-trip feedback.

In addition, Beam will roll out 200 seated e-scooters for the first time in Hobart. Designed with the same safety features as Beam’s ‘L-shaped’ standing e-scooters, they offer a practical choice to those who find standing e-scooters and pedal assist e-bikes challenging for use, or those travelling longer distances.

“We know Hobart has embraced shared micromobility, which has become a preferred means of transportation for many,” says Mr Cooper.  

“However, they have not been accessible to all members of the local community, which is a gap we are looking to address with the launch of seated e-scooters across the city.“

Our data from the deployment of seated e-scooters in other Australian cities shows that riders ride approximately 30% longer with a more comfortable seated position, encouraging increased modal shift away from cars, and we are confident we’ll see a similar uptake in Hobart.”