Beam launches ‘Glide’ feature

E-mobility company Beam has introduced its new ‘Glide’ feature, meaning riders can hop on and off multiple Beam vehicles without paying subsequent unlock fees.

It’s designed for when switching between an e-bike and e-scooter on the same journey, taking a short break between multiple trips (ducking into shops, running errands) or utilising e-scooters as part of multi-modal journeys.

Riders just need to start a new trip within 30 minutes of ending a previous trip to use the Glide feature.

With the majority of Auckland and Wellington e-mobility users taking to micromobility for work commute and socialisation purposes, the new feature is designed to further integrate Beams into the cities’ transport network and make it even more affordable for residents to travel, Beam says.

Beam New Zealand says more than half its riders are aged 25-34, the average ride is eight minutes, peak e-scooter hours are weekdays from 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm, showing a shift towards utilising e-scooters for work commutes.

About 65% of riders surveyed in Auckland utilise e-bikes for work commute purposes, while in Wellington the most popular trip starting locations are Wellington Train Station and Queens Wharf.