Beam eScooters will hit the streets of urban Bendigo when a 12-month trial begins in late May 2024.
Beam is Australia’s largest shared e-scooter provider, 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, and Ballarat.
The City of Greater Bendigo voted to bring in the scooters late last year for a 12-month period.
Mayor Andrea Metcalf says the introduction of Beam scooters 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 Tom Cooper says 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,” Cooper says.
“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 rollout 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 further consult 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).
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 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. The group will meet regularly once the trial starts in late May to monitor how it is going and address any issues or concerns.
Beam is expected to launch its service in late May 2024.
