Beam launches in Wellington

Micromobility operator Beam has launched in New Zealand’s capital, starting with a fleet of 150 e-scooters and increasing that to 400 during coming weeks.

Beam was selected as an operator for Wellington through a competitive process and will offer its Saturn+ advanced e-scooter with 120km range, swappable batteries, improved suspension and shock absorption, three independent brakes, dual kickstand, phone charger and cup holder.

“As a new operator in Wellington, we are focused on providing a local and environmentally sustainable service that can be a strong example of how micromobility can be beneficial to riders, the general community and the environment,” Beam operations manager Frederick Conquer says.

“Our global expertise and our focus on local operations allows us to provide a comprehensive and responsive mobility service to the community.”

Every Beam e-scooter in Wellington will be equipped with a Beam helmet and a Bluetooth-enabled smart helmet lock, ensuring riders always have a helmet for every ride. Helmets will be treated with an innovative cleaning treatment that provides long-term hygiene benefits and will help encourage riders to wear them.

Virtual docking is provided, using technology and GPS to direct riders to appropriate parking spots through a combination of guidance, incentives, and disincentives.

Beam has a long-term goal of helping tackle climate change.

“For our operations, through the end of 2019, we have achieved Climate Neutral Certified status by measuring our entire greenhouse gas emissions footprint, purchasing carbon credits to offset that footprint, and implementing plans to reduce emissions this year and beyond,” Beam Mobility community manager Australia/New Zealand Adam Rossetto says.

Beam has developed in partnership with professional New Zealand safety experts RiderSkills the Beam Safe Academy which incorporates free, real world training courses, an interactive safety quiz and a launch briefing guide for new users.

Riders in Wellington are encouraged to complete the in-app safety quiz to receive a $5 free ride credit.

Beam also offers a programme to assist local shops, restaurants and cafes in the cities where it operates to help overcome COVID-19 conditions.

Named ‘Operation Booster’, Beam’s proprietary partnership platform utilises a blend of GPS-technology, in-app notifications and partner incentives to help stimulate economic activity at the community level.

Beam’s operations team has started approaching Wellington businesses about the initiative and several stores have already signed up, including Mexican eatery Mad Mex.

“We’re keen to encourage alternative forms of transport and to support better parking behaviour,” Richard Tarrant of Mad Mex Lambton Square says.

“This is a clever little initiative that achieves both whilst also supporting Kiwi businesses like ours.”

In Wellington, Beam will work with stakeholders to gradually introduce its vehicles to the streets, provide ongoing safety and safe riding information and training, and rolling out additional features to support its operations.

 Visit ridebeam.com/operation-booster for more information.