‘Wheely’ good fun on its way to Mackay

Get ready for 300 e-scooters to appear in various locations across Mackay.

Mayor Greg Williamson said e-scooters would 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,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The e-scooters may also provide assistance in easing parking congestion in certain areas like the Base Hospital precinct for workers or people attending events at the Botanic Gardens,” he said.

Proposed operating areas for the initial trial include:

• Mackay City Centre (excluding the western side of Wood Street footpath between Victoria and Gordon streets only)
• Mackay Waterfront
• Mackay Bluewater Trail
• Mackay Harbour
• North Mackay incorporating the Gooseponds Trail
• Mackay Base Hospital precinct
• Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Each e-scooter comes with a helmet, which must be worn, and safety rules must be followed, such as following vehicle laws, maintaining a safe distance between riders and pedestrians, and not riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

The e-scooters can reach a maximum of 20kmh. However, speeds will be limited in certain locations for safety reasons. These “slow zones" are set by agreed stakeholders and managed by geofencing.

Today’s ordinary meeting of council endorsed Beam Mobility Australia Pty Ltd as the successful tenderer with plans to have the service up and running by July this year.