Beam e-scooters in Whanganui from June 23

About 100 Beam e-scooters will be available in Whanganui from June 23 during a trial ending March 2024.

The e-scooters will be available from 6am to 10pm daily within parts of the Whanganui central business district and surrounding suburbs, improving transport options and connections for both leisure and commuting, says Beam.

The launch follows a successful Beam Safe Academy at the Whanganui River Markets, where attendees could try the e-scooters and familiarise themselves with safety features while suggesting where e-scooters could be parked.

Another Beam Safe Academy will be held Saturday June 25 at the same location.

The app-based Beam hire service features pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.45 per minute charge.

Beam’s operating area will include College Estate, Whanganui East, Bastia Hill, Gonville and Springvale.

“We’re excited to be bringing our e-scooters to the streets of Whanganui this week, introducing a new carbon-neutral, affordable and fun form of transportation for both visitors and locals alike,” says Beam ANZ general manager Tom Cooper.

He says the Saturn e-scooters include tip-resistant kickstands, dual brakes, a Bluetooth-locked helmet with every ride, swappable batteries, and an in-app safety quiz to educate riders on how to ride safely.

There’s also a pre-trip in-app safety briefing for every rider, featuring instructions on how to park and ride safely, while Beam Safety Ambassadors patrol high-traffic areas to promote safe riding and parking.

A “Half Beam” mode can apply to new riders, featuring reduced acceleration for novice riders’ early trips.

A three-strikes policy sees riders facing suspension for bad riding and parking offences. Those caught riding dangerously or breaking the law face permanent bans.

A Beam Booster retail support platform uses a blend of GPS-technology, in-app notifications and partner incentives to help stimulate economic activity at the local community level. Participation is free.

Whanganui District Council chief executive David Langford says the e-scooters provide a transport option and include restrictions in some areas.

“We’ve also put in place restricted speed areas or ‘slow zones’ where scooters will be unable to exceed 15km.”

Langford says Beam has committed to clear timeframes around retrieving any scooters incorrectly parked.

He adds the council is encouraged by successful Beam e-scooter trials in Palmerston North and Whangarei.

Whanganui & Partners chief executive Hannah Middleton says the e-scooters are a handy option for moving between meetings around Whanganui.

“We know many visitors to our city will get great use out of these e-scooters too and we’re so pleased to have this option available as we see increasing visitor numbers now that people can travel more freely.”