Beam to commence operations in Mackay

Beam’s industry-leading e-scooters will be available for use seven days a week and 24-hours a day, within the local government area, improving transport options and connections for both leisure and commuting.

The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and 45 cents per minute.

Beam’s operating area will include the suburbs of Mackay city, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay and parts of Ooralea, Mount Pleasant and Mackay Harbour. Riders will be able to see the full riding area within the app.

The Beam offering will include:

• Beam’s Saturn e-scooter fleet: Featuring tip-resistant dual kickstands, electric and mechanical brakes, front suspension, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries;
• Beam Booster for Retail Support: Beam’s Booster platform utilises a blend of GPS-technology, in-app notifications and partner incentives to help stimulate economic activity at the local community level. Participation is free, with applications now open for local businesses via this website.
• Virtual Docking: Fixed ‘virtual’ parking docks will be seen within the app, with riders directed to appropriate parking spots through a combination of guidance, incentives, and disincentives.

Beam’s flagship rider education and enforcement program, the Beam Safe Academy, will also be in place, including:

• A pre-trip in-app safety briefing for every rider, featuring instructions on how to park and ride safely
• An in-app Beam Safety Quiz educating riders on the riding rules, with free credits offered to encourage rider education
• Beam Safety Ambassadors patrolling high-traffic areas daily, promoting safe riding and parking
• Half Beam mode for new riders, featuring reduced acceleration for novice riders’ early trips
• A three-strikes policy, with riders facing suspension for bad riding and parking offences. Those caught riding dangerously or breaking the law face permanent bans.

Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said, “We’re excited to be bringing our e-scooters to the streets of Mackay this week, introducing a new carbon-neutral, affordable and fun form of transportation for both visitors and locals alike.

“Safety for both riders and pedestrians is our biggest priority, and our industry-leading e-scooters feature tip-resistant kickstands, a helmet with every ride, and an in-app Safety Quiz to educate riders on how to ride safely.

“We look forward to a fruitful partnership with the Mackay Regional Council and the local community over the next 12 months.”

Mackay Regional Council, Mayor Greg Williamson said, “The e-scooters will provide a fantastic transport option for residents and tourists to get out and about, exploring our region in a safe, convenient, and fun way.

“For visitors staying in the Mackay CBD without a car, or locals simply wanting to explore as much of the city as they can in a short period of time, an e-scooter is going to be a tremendous option.

“With the Mackay Festival of Arts just around the corner, we think event experiences like this will be enhanced with e-scooters and will continue to promote Mackay as vibrant, fun event destination."

Find out more about Beam via their website.