Darwin e-scooter users in line for prizes as part of national safety blitz

The new campaign lines up with National Road Safety Week, and rewards riders who exhibit safe road behaviours.

Two Darwin Beam e-scooter users during their rollout in 2023. Picture: City of Darwin / Nat Rogers

Darwin e-scooter riders could be riding away with thousands of dollars in free rides as part of an e-scooter safety blitz.

The competition, launched by e-scooter operator Beam Mobility, is part of Beam’s national “Safety in Motion” initiative, running in conjunction with National Road Safety Week.

As part of the competition, a team serving as “Beam Safe Ambassadors” will hit the streets of Darwin to reward riders who demonstrate safe practices including wearing a helmet, not using a phone while riding, and never riding under the influence.

“While we will continue to enforce safe riding behaviour, including through our three strike policy, we want to use perks not penalties this week and reward those doing the right thing,” a Beam spokesperson said.

“At Beam we believe road safety should go beyond the road, and include parking behaviour, helmet use and more.

“So, this is our way to say thanks and put the attention back on the majority of riders who travel safely, instead of focusing on a few bad apples.”

Darwin riders spotted by the Beam ambassadors demonstrating these safe behaviours will receive $500 credits.

Territorians will also be able to enter an online competition running until May 18, completing the Beam Safety Quiz for a chance to win a “Safe Beamer pass” valued at $1000.

The pass also includes 60 free riding minutes a week for six months.

Beam said since launching in Darwin, its scooters had made nearly 600,000 trips.

Originally published as Darwin e-scooter users in line for prizes as part of national safety blitz