Riding The Purple Wave

By Amanda Wright

Imagine zooming through the vibrant streets of Mackay, wind rushing through your hair as you effortlessly glide on a sleek purple e-scooter. Well, it seems that many locals and visitors to this coastal city have turned this exhilarating fantasy into a reality, as they have collectively travelled over a staggering 410,000 kilometers during the first year of Beam's shared e-scooter operations.

The most sought-after spots for e-scooter pick up and drop off are at key shopping and recreation hubs, including Parkside Plaza, the picturesque Mackay Harbour, Caneland Central, and the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets. E-scooter fever peaks on weekends from 12pm to 9pm and weekdays from 12pm to 5pm, when the city comes alive with eager riders exploring its wonders.

Embarking on a Beam adventure in Mackay is not just a means of transportation but a brief escape from the ordinary. On average, riders take a 12-minute journey, covering 2.2 kilometers. The popularity of these electrifying rides has resulted in an extension of Beam's operations in Mackay for another 12 months.

Ashan Sanjeeva, the Head of Operations at Beam, shared his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response from the Mackay community.

"We're really pleased with the first year of shared micromobility being available in Mackay, and with how the community has embraced this new mode of transport,” he said.

Sanjeeva believes that the potential of shared micromobility in Mackay is boundless, as it offers a transformative solution for both residents and visitors alike, replacing car journeys with a more sustainable alternative for shorter trips under 5 kilometers.

“We see a huge potential for shared micromobility to provide transport connections to residents and visitors in Mackay, and replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car,” he added.

“As we head into our second year of operations in Mackay, we’ll be looking to accelerate modal shift away from cars for those shorter trips under 5 kms, where e-scooters provide a great alternative.

“We’re also committed to investing in safety and rider education and enforcement, bringing new technology to the city to assist in enforcing safe riding and parking.”

At the forefront of their efforts lies the Beam Safe Academy, a groundbreaking rider education and enforcement program available 24/7. This comprehensive initiative equips every rider with a pre-trip in-app safety briefing, ensuring they are well-versed in safe riding and parking practices. Additionally, an engaging Beam Safety Quiz has been integrated into the app, rewarding participants with free credits and empowering them with a thorough understanding of riding rules.

For novice riders venturing into this electrifying realm, Beam has introduced Half Beam mode, offering reduced acceleration to ensure a smooth and comfortable learning experience. However, riders should be mindful of their actions, as a three-strikes policy will be strictly enforced. Repeated instances of reckless riding or parking offenses may result in temporary suspension, while severe violations or lawbreaking will incur permanent bans.

With Beam's unwavering commitment to safety, rider education, and the pursuit of sustainable transportation, Mackay's streets are destined to become a playground of thrilling adventures and greener journeys.

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