• Beam’s e-bikes will roll out in Lake Macquarie
• E -bikes will be available for hire via the Beam app, available for download on Apple and Google Play stores
• Local businesses can apply to be part of Beam’s free Booster program

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[24 May 2022] Global micromobility company Beam will bring shared micromobility operations to the City of Lake Macquarie, with e-bike operations to commence in June, followed by e-scooter operations at a later date.

The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates, ‘virtual docking’ (parking) to protect the city’s amenity, and an in-app safety school for rider education. 

Beam is the largest micromobility operator in Asia Pacific, with operations in Australia spanning capital cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide and Canberra, and regional cities and towns including Port Douglas, Magnetic Island and Townsville. 

With 500 e-bikes to be introduced to the city, over 50 local jobs will be created to manage the trial. 

The Beam offering will include:

• Beam’s Apollo e-bike fleet: Featuring tip-resistant dual kickstands, dual brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, swappable batteries and pedal assist 
• 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 in Lake Macquarie via www.ridebeam.com/anz/booster 
• Beam Safety Academy: Because every e-scooter requires a safer rider, Beam will host free in-person training courses, in-app rider education and have 24/7 Safety Ambassadors patrolling the streets. 
• Virtual Docking: Fixed parking docks will be created virtually, using technology and GPS to direct riders to appropriate parking spots through a combination of guidance, incentives, and disincentives.
• Climate Neutral Operations: Beam is the only operator in ANZ to be Certified Climate Neutral, and has recently announced a pledge to go Carbon Negative by 2025. Beam has been carbon-neutral for the entirety of its Australian operations, and is committed to continuing to lead the industry in sustainability, adopting technological advances to reduce its environmental impact.

Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said: 

“We’re thrilled to be piloting Lake Macquarie’s first shared micromobility trial, and to bring our industry leading e-bikes to the region.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with local businesses and the Council of Lake Macquarie to bring our safe, affordable and sustainable e-bikes to both residents and visitors.

“As micromobility becomes more commonplace in Australia, we believe its usage will only continue to increase exponentially, with more citizens engaging on the streets and leaving their cars behind. 

“As we look forward to expanding our footprint across New South Wales, particularly with the introduction the state’s shared e-scooter trials, we are also committed to developing collaborative partnerships with local community members and organisations, and engage in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of both riders, pedestrians and other road users.” 

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Dantia CEO Joshua Sattler said: 

“There are many benefits to using shared micro-mobility, from helping locals connect through a safe, efficient and fun service, to extending the range for pedestrians so they can visit more local businesses. 

“We are looking to reduce congestion and parking issues in the city by encouraging people to leave their cars behind. Cars don’t spend money, people do!”

“Businesses in Lake Mac are bouncing back post COVID-19, so now is a great time to introduce e-bikes in the city to make shops and venes more accessible to everyone and increase foot traffic.”

“I saw it first-hand in Darwin, when in my previous role, we introduced e-scooters. In fact, one particularly popular restaurant on the city’s waterfront became the number one drop off location in Darwin.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to increase our active transport options in Lake Macquarie. Demand for e-bikes is growing rapidly, and this trial will help gauge the community’s appetite for a pay-as-you-go system, rather than the significant up-front cost of buying your own.”

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