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City of Greater Bendigo to launch e-scooter pilot
Beam will deploy its Saturn 5 e-scooters in the Australian city, featuring safety-first technology to support both rider safety and that of other road users.
The City of Greater Bendigo in the Australian state of Victoria is launching a 12-month trial with micromobility company Beam.
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.
Micromobility rollout
Beam has operations across every state and territory in Australia, with more than 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.
“Data from our other Australian operations shows a shift from cars to a preference for e-scooters for shorter trips under 5km, and we look forward to seeing the same trend in Bendigo”
The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates and ‘virtual docking’ to protect city amenity.
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.
Councillor Andrea Metcalf, mayor of City of Greater Bendigo, said she was delighted Beam was on board for the trial, after a public request for quotation process was held earlier this year.
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“Beam is well-versed in operating e-scooter hire schemes and will bring [its] knowledge and expertise to Bendigo’s 12-month trial,” said Metcalf.
“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.”
The Beam Safe Academy, the company’s safety education and enforcement programme, will be in place to educate riders on local riding rules and safe handling of e-scooters. The programme 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 offences. 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.
“Data from our other Australian operations shows a shift from cars to a preference for e-scooters for shorter trips under 5km, and we look forward to seeing the same trend in Bendigo,” said Beam general manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper
“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,” Cooper added.
“We are confident that our experience across other Australian markets will ensure operations are a success.”
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
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How does Beam's safety-first technology enhance rider and pedestrian safety?What impact could e-scooters have on reducing short car trips under 5km?How will the Beam Safe Academy promote responsible e-scooter usage?What features of the Saturn 5 e-scooters support urban mobility integration?How might the e-scooter trial stimulate local business and tourism in Bendigo?
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