Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

E-Scooter Frenzy Continues With Extended Trial Period

By Amanda Wright

Get ready to experience the thrill of effortless urban exploration as Beam's purple e-scooters continue to transform Mackay's streets into a vibrant, eco-friendly playground.

As announced by Mackay Regional Council, Beam's purple e-scooters will be zipping around suburbia for an additional 12 months as the trial period is extended until June 2024. Since their introduction on June 7 last year, these electric scooters have been embraced by both residents and visitors as an affordable and exhilarating mode of transportation for daily commutes and leisurely rides.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson expressed his delight at the positive reception of Beam e-scooters in the community.

"Mackay residents and visitors have wholeheartedly embraced Beam e-scooters as a reliable transportation option," Mayor Williamson stated.

With an impressive tally of nearly 180,000 individual trips, involving 23,376 unique riders covering a total distance of 395,669 kilometers, it's evident that these scooters have found a special place in the hearts of Mackay's populace.

Encouraging continued usage, Mayor Williamson said, "Council hopes residents and visitors continue to take advantage of this great service."

He emphasised that Beam's e-scooters offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and enjoyable means of exploring the region. While riders are urged to prioritise safety and adhere to the local laws, Mayor Williamson also emphasised the importance of considerate parking to ensure unobstructed footpaths.

Beam's General Manager (ANZ), Tom Cooper, expressed his enthusiasm for the extended agreement with Mackay Regional Council.

"We have had a fantastic experience operating in Mackay," said Mr. Cooper.

"The extension allows us to provide our e-scooters as an essential component of the city's mobility market."

Among the popular routes in Mackay, the Forgan Bridge (Sydney Street) takes the lead, with hotspot parking spots at the picturesque Bluewater Quay, the bustling CBD, and the convenient Parkside Plaza in West Mackay. The operating area for Beam e-scooters encompasses the suburbs of Central Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay, and parts of Ooralea, Glenella, Mount Pleasant, and Mackay Harbour.

For those interested in hopping aboard, Beam offers an app-based service with affordable pay-as-you-go rates. Riders can unlock a scooter for just $1, followed by a non-peak rate of $0.51 per minute and a peak rate of $0.65 per minute. Additional information can be found on Beam's website.

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