April 23rd, 2024City appoints Beam for e-scooter trial in Bendigo

The City of Greater Bendigo has appointed Beam Mobility as the operator for a 12-month e-scooter hire trial in urban Bendigo, beginning late May.

Beam is the largest shared e-scooter provider in Australia, with operations across every state and territory.

The company has more experience in regional cities than any other operator in Australia, with the service popular in other regional cities such as Albury, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, and Broome.

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.”

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,” Mr Cooper said.

“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.”

Beam has developed a draft roll out plan with a tentative trial e-scooter operating area, supported by a proactive and responsive customer service approach and education for riders.

The operator will undertake further consultation with the city, councillors, businesses, and landlords over the coming weeks to confirm suitable locations for e-scooter parking and placements.

The maximum travel speed for the hire e-scooters will be 20km/h for roads and on Bendigo’s established shared bike paths (they are not permitted on footpaths under Victorian e-scooter rules), and Beam will identify ‘no-go’ zones or some ‘slow speed zones’ (10km/h) where there is a concentration of activities and a high volume of pedestrians.

The City of Bendigo has set up a key external stakeholder group including representatives from Victorian Police, Bendigo Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo TAFE, Bendigo Sustainability Group, Bike Bendigo, Be Bendigo and local businesses.

There will be regular meetings with this group once the trial starts in late May to monitor how it is going and address any issues or concerns.