Australia
Beam commences e-scooter operations in Lake Macquarie
December 5, 2022
- 100 purple e-scooters to be introduced to Lake Macquarie on Monday
- E -scooters will be available for hire via the Beam app
- An in-person Beam Safe Academy event will be held on 10 December at Warners Bay Esplanade
[5 December 2022] Global micromobility company Beam will commence shared e-scooter operations in Lake Macquarie on Monday 5 December, bringing 100 e-scooters to the city.
Beam’s industry-leading e-scooters will be available for use from 5 am to midnight, 7 days a week, featuring affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.65 per minute.
Riders will be able to see the full e-scooter riding area within the app, which include shared pathways at Croudace Bay, Warners Bay, Toronto to Fassifern, and the Fernleigh Track. The speed of the e-scooters will be restricted to 10km/hr in accordance with the speed limits in NSW on shared paths.
These routes come just in time for summer, connecting key attractions and activity centers like Speers Point Park, Warners Bay Foreshore shops and the Museum of Art and Culture
Whilst the four pathways do not interconnect in this first phase of the trial, the current operational area makes some important connections for residents, including connecting Fassifern Station down to Toronto.
‘Virtual’ parking docks will be seen within the app, with riders directed to appropriate parking spots. Unlike Beam’s existing e-bike operations, e-scooter riders will not be able to end a trip outside of a parking spot.
Beam’s e-bikes will continue to be available 24-hours a day, within its existing operating area.
Beam will also host their flagship ‘Beam Safe Academy’ safety event on 10 December from 9am to 12pm at Warners Bay Esplanade, where community members can learn how to ride an e-scooter. Attendance is free.
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
- Half Beam mode for new riders, featuring reduced acceleration for novice riders’ early trips
- 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.
Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said:
“Safety for both riders and pedestrians is our biggest priority, and our industry-leading e-scooters feature tip-resistant dual kickstands, a helmet with every ride, and an in-app Safety Quiz to educate riders on how to ride safely.
“The scooters also feature automatic speed and geofencing controls, ensuring riders are riding in accordance with the riding rules.
“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 community, and welcome feedback from the community about the trial and how we can continue to adapt our operations to suit the city.”
