Beam e-scooter trial showing good signs after first month in Geraldton

E-scooters have been a common sight across Geraldton for more than a month as Beam’s trial continues, with the company labelling the trial a success so far.

According to Beam’s WA operations lead Stuart O’Callaghan, the purple scooters have been popular with Geraldton riders, with the e-scooters having covered more than 90,000km.

The City of Greater Geraldton say 28,941 trips have been made, with each scooter going on around 3.8 trips a day.

“We’ve been thrilled with the response from residents and visitors to Geraldton in the first month of our shared e-scooter operations in the city,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

The company has been keen to highlight the benefit of its program for the local economy.

Six out of 10 travels with the e-scooters have resulted in a purchase at a local business, according to Beam, with Dome Cafe, Jaffle Shack, L’Italiano Pizza and Bluff Point Deli identified as the most popular spots for e-scooter trips.

While there have been issues with riders not using helmets, and having multiple people riding on the same scooter, Beam said it has been punishing rule breakers.

Beam said 38 warnings and five permanent bans have handed down for not following Beam’s rules, but the company said most were doing the right thing.

According to Beam, most warning and bans were for bad or obstructive parking, with most riders not offending after being given a first warning.

City CEO Ross McKim echoed the positive response to the trial so far.

“These statistics speak for themselves, and we feel the trial is being very well received so far and hope the community continue to do the right thing,” he said.