• 94 tons of carbon emissions saved by Hobart riders, with over 450,000 kilometres ridden on a Beam

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[19 July 2022] Leading micromobility company Beam has revealed that at least 94 tons of carbon emissions has been saved by Hobart Beam riders in the first six months of Hobart’s e-scooter trial, with Hobart riders surveyed revealing they would have used a car for just over half of their trips if e-scooters weren’t available.  

Over six months into Hobart’s 12-month e-scooter trial, Beam riders have ridden over 450,000 kilometres in Hobart, with each e-scooter used on average 4 times per day. 

The benefits of shared e-scooters in the city can be seen in the results of Beam’s latest rider survey in Hobart, which reveal that of Beam’s regular Hobart riders (defined as taking a minimum of 1 trip per week), 72% own or lease a car, of whom, 71% revealed they have used their cars less as a result of access to shared e-scooters, and 21% are more likely or definitely going to sell their car because of their e-scooter options.

Of regular Beam riders who currently don’t own a car, an amazing 24% reveal that they recently sold their car as a direct result of having access to e-scooters. Of the remaining car-free citizens, 60% say they are less likely, much less likely or definitely not going to buy one in the next 5 years.

Of car users, work (46%) and leisure (25%) make up the large portion of use cases, highlighting the potential of shared-micromobility to play a part in modal shift, as over 50% of trips on a Beam e-scooter in Hobart are for work and study commuting purposes.

In Hobart, the most popular commuter routes are from Sandy Bay, Dynnyrne, Mount Nelson and South Hobart into the CBD. 

75% of regular riders also revealed their use of Beam e-scooters for work and/or study commuting purposes, with 54% using Beams for leisure. This shows that riders are using Beams for more than one travel category, with shared-micromobility able to connect Hobartians to both work and play.

When asked about the motivations of using a car, riders revealed that the primary reason (70% of riders) was not having a good alternative to a car (as opposed to enjoying it (6%), showing that Hobartians are eager for alternative modes of transport.

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Beam’s Australia and New Zealand General Manager Tom Cooper, said: 

“Six months from the commencement of shared e-scooter operations in Hobart, we are really starting to see the benefits that e-scooters have brought to the community, particularly in mode shift and environmental benefits. 

“As Beam is certified climate neutral, all trips on a Beam are carbon free, which ensures those who choose an e-scooter trip instead of their car are benefiting the environment from their very first trip. 

“We also know that e-scooter trips have local economic benefits, with our data showing that out of every 10 trips on a Beam, 6 trips result in a purchase at a local business. 

“We are excited to see e-scooters play a greater part in Hobartians’ day-to-day lives in the next six months of the trial, and are committed to working closely with the Hobart City Council and community stakeholder groups to take feedback and continue to make improvements to the way we operate.” 

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