Burnie’s e-scooter trial could pave way for expansion

Another Tasmanian city has jumped onto the e-scooter wagon and locals are hopping on board.

E-SCOOTERS have landed in a third Tasmanian city and Beam Tasmania says it is already in talks with other councils as it looks to expand its footprint.

Beam Tasmania began operating in Burnie on June 23 and locals are taking advantage of a new way to get around the CBD.

Locals Micah and Al zoomed along the waterfront on Thursday and said e-scooters were a fantastically fun, safe and relatively cheap way to get around.

Beam foot marshall Sarah Sunderland riding an e-scooter in Burnie

Beam’s Tasmania Operations Manager Glenn Alldis said the company had been thrilled with the response to the launch of e-scooters in the North West.

Burnie Mayor Steve Kons is also happy with early launch results saying he had received plenty of good feedback from the community.

“With each e-scooter used over four times a day, it shows a high demand for micromobility and a new way to get around the city,” Mr Alldis said.

“The demand for e-scooters in Burnie matches that of our other Tasmanian operations.

“The scenic waterfront path from the city to the University of Tasmania campus has been the most popular ride route, with many riders extending their ride to Cooee Beach. South Burnie and Park Grove have also been popular ride areas.”

Businesses in Wivenhoe said they would like to see the range extended out to their busy shopping strip.

Mr Alldis said Beam’s Booster program allowed businesses to sign up for parking spots in front of their businesses for free.

“Data from our Australian operations shows that out of every 10 trips, six trips result in a purchase at a local business. Local businesses can sign up for a parking spot via the Beam website.”

So far there have been no safety issues in Burnie a week after the launch.

“Safety is of utmost importance to us, and we have comprehensive in-app rider education to ensure riders understand the riding rules and legislation, with a three-strikes policy in place where riders risk permanent bans for contravening the rules,” he said.

Beam conducted a Beam Safe Academy event at the waterfront on Saturday and another is planned for July 9 at North Terrace near Wilson St.

“We believe that micromobility is a transport solution that can work for cities of all sizes and demographics. We are in conversations with a number of local councils across the state about shared micromobility trials, and look forward to expanding our footprint further in the coming months,” Mr Alldis said.

--