E-scooters launch tomorrow

Beam e-scooters are set to hit Queenstown's streets tomorrow (Wednesday, 8 March).

Some 300 purple e-scooters will be introduced to the town, with parking hubs at 15 local businesses.

They are Alpine Auto, Alpine Lodge, Cross Fit Queenstown, Deco Backpackers, DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown, Eriks Fish and Chips, Four Seasons Motel, Frank's Corner Queenstown, FreshChoice Queenstown, Haka Lodge, Impact Print & Stich, Industrial Fitness, Night N Day Camp Street, The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers and Villa Del Lago.

'Virtual docking' technology means the rider must end their trip at one of the 15 partner business locations, identified within the Beam app.

The app-based service will cost $1 to unlock and $0.65 cents per minute, with subscription passes available for regular riders. The e-scooters will be available for hire between 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.

"We’re thrilled to be partnering with the local business community to deliver Queenstown’s first shared micromobility operations, and to bring our industry leading e-scooters to the region," said Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper.

"We have seen shared micromobility take off in other areas of New Zealand, with the data from our other New Zealand operations such as Auckland and Wellington showing a shift from cars to e-scooters for shorter trips under 5 km."

 

Beam’s flagship rider education program, the ‘Beam Safety Academy’ will be in place, consisting of in-app and online safety education for rider and community safety.

"We are committed to forming further 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," Cooper adds.

"We know that bringing a new mode of transport to the streets brings change for everyone - pedestrians, drivers, and the broader community, and look forward to engaging with local community and stakeholders to ensure a viable means of transport for all.

"We have the experience in community engagement, technology and safety education to make operations in Queenstown successful, and look forward to expanding our operations further across the Otago region."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More details:

● Beam’s Saturn 5 e-scooter fleet: Featuring tip-resistant dual kickstands, front suspension, triple brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries

● Beam Safety Academy: Beam’s flagship rider education and enforcement program will include in-person training courses, in-app rider education, a low acceleration option for novice riders, and Safety Coaches patrolling the streets to enforce safe riding.

● Fixed Virtual Docking: Fixed parking docks will be created virtually, using technology and GPS to direct riders to appropriate parking spots. Riders will not be able to end their trip outside of a parking spot.

● Climate Neutral Operations: Beam is the only operator in ANZ to be Certified Climate Neutral, and has recently announced a pledge to go Carbon Negative by 2025.

 

Queenstown businesses are invited to apply to partner with Beam via https://bit.ly/BeamMobility.