E-scooter trial operator confirmed as launch date set for Springfield Central
04 July 2023
Springfield residents will soon be able to scoot along the streets in a six-month trial of e-scooters set to launch on 8 July.
E-scooter hire company Beam has signed on with Ipswich City Council to deliver the pilot program with their latest fleet of top of-the-range, safety-focused e-scooters.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Beam would launch in Springfield Central, Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes on 8 July.
“It is always exciting to see new options for transport come to our city, and residents have been waiting eagerly for this trial to start,” Mayor Harding said.
“E-scooters are a great way for residents to get about their suburbs quickly and safely without having to rely on private cars or public transport.
“Council is pleased to have secured this six-month trial with Beam as the operators.
“Council’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy, adopted in 2019, sets out a roadmap for implementing new technology into our transport networks such as e-scooters.”
Residents will spot the purple e-scooters appearing on Springfield streets from 6 July, with the official launch on 8 July.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said Beam had been chosen for their strong safety record, which includes geo-locking scooters out of high pedestrian zones and limiting maximum speeds, managing the trial in a controlled and safe environment.
“E-scooters are popular, affordable and efficient transport for many in cities across Australia, and this new six-month trial will give Ipswich City Council clear guidance on their future here,” Cr Tully said.
“Beam has a strong track record of operating in Queensland cities. Their e-scooters include safety features such as tip-resistant dual kickstands, front suspension, triple brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries.
“This trial will allow residents to try out shared e-scooters and provide their thoughts and input on how council might integrate e-scooters into the city’s transport network for the long term.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the six-month trial would run until December, after which council would assess its results and community feedback.
“We encourage the community to let us know how these scooters work for you,” Cr Jonic said.
“Beam will also host a safety event called Beam Safe Academy, ahead of launching this pilot to teach e-scooter skills and gain community feedback.
“The Beam Safe Academy event will be held at the Robelle Domain carpark next to the Orion Lagoon on Saturday 8 July from 9am, offering curious residents the chance to try a scooter for themselves.”
Beam Queensland Operations Manager Andrew Dodd said the app-based service featured affordable pay-as-you-go rates, designated parking to protect the suburb’s amenity, and an in-app and in-person safety school for rider and community education.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Council to deliver Ipswich’s first shared micromobility operations, and to bring our industry leading e-scooters to the region,” Mr Dodd said.
“We have seen shared micromobility take off in other Queensland cities and towns, with the data from our other operations in the state such as Brisbane, Logan, Townsville, Port Douglas, Magnetic Island, Mackay, Hervey Bay and Cairns showing a shift from cars to e-scooters, particularly for shorter trips under 5km.
“As we prepare to commence our operations in Ipswich, we are also committed to forming partnerships with local community members and organisations, and engaging in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians and other road users.
“We know that bringing a new mode of transport to the streets brings change for everyone - pedestrians, drivers, and the broader community - and look forward to engaging with local community and stakeholders ahead of launch.
“We have the experience in community engagement, technology and safety education to make this trial in Ipswich a successful one, and thank Ipswich City Council for their trust in us to deliver.”
Background
- Under State legislation introduced late last year, e-scooter users must comply with relevant speed limits.
- Where there is no relevant speed signage, the default speed limits are 12km/h on footpaths, shared paths and crossings, and 25km/h on permitted local roads, bike paths and bike lanes.
- E-scooters and personal mobility devices can ride on footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and bike paths as well as local streets with a speed limit of 50km/h or less and no dividing line.
- E-scooter riders must obey most general road rules and must wear a helmet.