• Over 175,000 kilometres ridden on a Beam in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with commuting and visiting local businesses key reasons for travel based on Beam’s annual rider survey

[27 March 2024] Australia’s largest shared micromobility company Beam has revealed that at least 30,500 kilograms of carbon emissions has been saved by Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Beam riders, with over 175,000 kilometres ridden on a Beam in the past year.

The benefits of shared e-scooters in the city can be seen in the results of Beam’s annual rider survey, with just over half (54%) of Kalgoorlie-Boulder riders revealing they would have used a car for their trips if e-scooters weren’t available, showing the impact of e-scooters in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has had on travel patterns in the first year of shared micromobility being introduced to the city. ‍

Commuting and local business support key reasons for travel

Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents revealed that 7 out of 10 trips on a Beam in Kalgoorlie-Boulder result in a purchase at a local business, with 46% of riders saying they use Beams to visit shops and local businesses.

Commuting makes up the second-most common reason for travel, with 41% of riders relying on Beams for commuting purposes, whether to work or study. This shows that riders in Kalgoorlie-Boulder are using Beams for more than one travel category, with shared micromobility connecting residents to both work and leisure.

Additionally, with over 42% of riders reporting riding Beams multiple times a week, data shows shared e-scooters increasingly being relied on as a mode of transportation.
80% of riders in the city have also stated they feel safer travelling on e-scooters as opposed to walking at night, particularly those travelling home solo. This echoes similar trends seen in Beam’s other operational cities, where e-scooters are relied upon as a mode of transport for night shift workers.

Additional key statistics:

• Over 175,000 kilometres ridden across Kalgoorlie-Boulder to date
• The average distance travelled per trip is 1.9kms
• 43% of riders in Kalgoorlie-Boulder are aged 35 and above

‍Beam’s Regional Operations Manager Andrew Dodd, said:

“In just a year, residents of Kalgoorlie-Boulder have grown to rely on e-scooters, not just for leisure but for their work and study commutes, running errands and day-to-day life.

“We’re seeing really positive rider feedback on how they’re being utilised, with riders revealing that they use their cars less now, showing the benefits of e-scooters in encouraging modal shift away from cars.

“We’re pleased to be continuing our operations in Kalgoorlie-Boulder for another 12 months, and look forward to working closely with the council and local community to continue providing safe, affordable and eco-friendly transport connections in the city.

“We’re committed to growing our rider education and enforcement program in Kalgoorlie-Boulder over the next year, and plan to introduce new technology and initiatives to encourage safe riding.

“Even the safest e-scooter requires a safer rider, and we encourage all riders to refresh themselves on the riding rules, and ride and park responsibly.”

Beam’s flagship rider education and enforcement program, the Beam Safe Academy, is in place 24/7, including:

• A pre-trip in-app safety briefing for every rider, featuring instructions on how to park and ride safely
• An in-app Beam Safety Quiz educating riders on the riding rules, with free credits offered to encourage rider education
• A three-strikes policy, with riders facing suspension for bad riding and parking offences. Those caught riding dangerously or breaking the law face permanent bans.