Mackay embraces Beam e-scooters for weekend fun

It’s the latest craze to hit Mackay’s streets and now the report card is in for the first month of the Beam e-scooter trial. Find out how we are using them and TAKE THE POLL.

Mackay residents are already getting their scoot on for a 12-month trial with global e-scooter company Beam, but community concerns about rider safety remain.

Data shows Mackay is riding e-scooters further for longer than the national average since the trial began on June 7.

Beam Queensland operations manager Pieter Van Heerden said more than 10,000 trips were recorded in the first week of the trial.

“We’ve been thrilled with the response to the launch of e-scooters in Mackay, with each e-scooter used over five times a day, showing high demand for micromobility and a new way to get around the city,” he said.

“The average Beam e-scooter trip in Mackay is 13.8 minutes, above the Australia average of 9 minutes, which shows that people are riding for longer than normal, potentially due to the novelty factor of e-scooters and higher visitor numbers.”

“Peak times for Beam trips include Wednesday to Friday afternoons and evenings from 3pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 12pm until 10pm.”

Mr Van Heerden said the Beam e-scooters contributed a range of economic advantages to Mackay businesses.

“Data from our Australian operations showing that out of every 10 trips, six trips result in a purchase at a local business,” he said.

East Mackay local Greg tried an e-scooter outside Caneland Plaza while waiting for his car to get detailed, and said his main concern about Beam’s arrival was people leaving them in the wrong place.

“The only thing from what I’ve driven around and seen is where they’re getting left … I’ve seen them left in the middle of footpaths and stuff like that,” he said.

A keen bicyclist, Greg said debates about safety came down to personal responsibility because “you’re always going to get safe and unsafe users”.

“If you ride it like an idiot and you come off second best, well that’s life, I suppose.”

Greg said e-scooters were “perfect for Mackay” and some residents might consider buying their own given the lack of hills, the picturesque nature, and the rising cost of petrol.

“Everything is flat (and) there’s some good paths out to the marina, around the Bluewater Trails, so it’s probably perfect for it,” he said.

However, safety concerns about e-scooters and their use on Australian roads are driving a hot debate.

Parker Simmonds Solicitors litigation director Bruce Simmonds said a Queensland government crackdown on e-scooter safety didn’t go far enough.

“The state which has unlimited powers on such matters should insist that if scooters are travelling at more than 10km/h, which is walking pace, they should be registered and carry compulsory insurance,” he said.

Mr Simmonds is acting on behalf of a client struck by an e-scooter on a Gold Coast footpath.

Though Beam e-scooters are limited to a maximum of 20km/h, Mackay hasn’t been alone in reporting injuries from e-scooter crashes.

Last month, a teenage boy was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with an ankle injury after stacking his e-scooter on Harbour Road.

Just this week, a 15-year-old Logan boy has survived urgent brain surgery after falling from an e-scooter outside his school on Tuesday and is now in ICU.

Paramedics treated the teenager for life-threatening head injuries following the incident at Yarrabilba.

Paramedics also took a male in his 40s to Cairns Hospital on Wednesday with a suspected shoulder injury after he fell off an e-scooter on Mcleod Street about 6.30pm.

Mr Van Heerden said a three-strikes policy threatened problem riders in Mackay with permanent bans and geo-fencing technology slowed or stopped scooters riding in dangerous areas.

“Safety is of utmost importance to us, and we have comprehensive in-app rider education to ensure riders understand the riding rules and legislation.”