E-scooter safety initiative launched in Wellington

Micromobility operator Beam has launched its flagship Beam Safe Academy initiative in Wellington, aiming to train thousands of e-scooter riders.

The Beam Safety Academy is the company’s safety programme that incorporates a launch briefing guide for new riders, an interactive safety quiz and free, real world training courses.

Developed in partnership with local professional safety experts RiderSkills, the academy aims to train and educate as many riders as possible in e-scooter safety.

“We believe education plays a critical role in creating the safest possible environment for e-scooters in Wellington,” Beam Australia and New Zealand general manager Tom Cooper says.

“We work hard to ensure every Beam user is mindful of the riding environment and the Beam Safe Academy is a crucial part of our ongoing commitment to safety.”

Accessible in the Beam app, the Beam Safety Quiz is a 10-question multiple choice interactive quiz that provides education and training to riders and rewards them with $5 free Beam credit.

The quiz was first launched in Auckland in late 2020, and since then more than $150,000 in ride credit has been awarded to Beam users across Australia and New Zealand.

The second major component of the Beam Safe Academy is a free advanced training programme, which provides riders with an opportunity to learn e-scooter operating and manoeuvring skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Sessions are 30 minutes in duration and are held by Beam’s experienced safety team. In addition to the free session, all attendees receive a free Beam helmet, $25 in ride credit and refreshments on the day.

Beam’s first real-world e-scooter training event for Wellington is on Friday, May 14, at Odlins Plaza on Cable Street, 10am-3pm.

Participation is free and no bookings are required.