New Zealand
October 13, 2021
Leading micromobility company Beam, Asia Pacific’s largest micromobility company, will commence operations in Palmerston North next month, bringing up to 200 e-scooters to the city.
The Palmerston North Beam fleet will feature hydraulic suspension, a double kick-stand for anti-tipping, triple brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, phone and coffee holders, as Beam continues to bring the newest micromobility technology to New Zealand.
Beam’s launch also aims to support the Palmerston North City Council’s eco-city/He tāone tautaiao strategy bringing a safe, sustainable, and carbon neutral transport option to the city.
Beam is the only micromobility operator in New Zealand that is Certified Climate Neutral - all Beam trips are hence carbon-free, and contribute positively to the City Council’s carbon emissions reduction targets.
Beam’s service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates and subscriptions for regular users.
The service will appeal to locals, tourists and families alike, with every ride covered by Beam’s personal accident insurance.
Beam also aims to stimulate the local economy on multiple fronts with its newest New Zealand operations, with the company seeking to employ Palmerston North locals in technology and operations-focussed roles.
Beam also aims to launch its Beam Booster and Beam for Business programs into the local community, benefitting locally-run businesses looking to increase visitorship, and also businesses seeking alternate forms of transport for their workforce.
Beam will also partner with the Central Economic Development Agency to bring affordable transport to all, via the Beam For All program.
To be attributed to Beam General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper:
“We’re thrilled to be launching into Palmerston North, and bringing our industry-leading e-scooters to town.
“We have pedestrian and rider safety at the forefront, ensuring riders understand all the safety features available to them through our safety program, the Beam Safe Academy.
“We believe that e-scooters will prove to be a valuable form of transport for locals, and offer an eco-friendly alternative to cars.
“We also have exciting plans to introduce small business support initiatives in the near future through our Beam Booster program, to help drive visitor traffic to locally owned businesses.” CEDA Business Development Manager Nats Subramanian says this new form of accessible, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly transport is a great opportunity for the city and business community.
“Beam will offer significant benefits to local businesses including employment opportunities as the community and city embraces this new form of transport and the ‘Beam for Business’ subscription model to help drive customers to locally owned businesses.
“Not only is Beam going to bolster the local economy, but the company also has a strong ethos to develop healthy partnerships with the local community and engage in constructive conversations around the safety operation of e-scooters.
“Beam is the only e-scooter operator in the Asia Pacific to be officially Climate Neutral certified, and in a world where climate change concerns are prevalent, it is fantastic to welcome Beam into our city to help reduce carbon emissions.”
Palmerston North City Council Mayor Grant Smith says Palmy welcomes e-scooter operators to our innovative, growing and vibrant city.
“We have a youthful population, well below the national average and we’re excited to see the benefits e-scooters bring as a transport option for people to get around.
“Whether that be on their commute to work, moving through the inner city, or connecting with our educational institutes. We will be watching with interest to see how well these e-scooters work for city people.”
The Beam offering will also include:
● Beam Safe Academy: The Beam Safe Academy is New Zealand’s first fully fledged safety
program that incorporates an interactive safety quiz and a launch briefing guide for new users.
● Beam Booster: A unique program designed to assist local shops, restaurants and cafes in the
cities in which we operate as they strive to reinvigorate their businesses post COVID-19. 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 local
community level.
● Beam For All: #BeamForAll offers discounted Universal Passes to users with limited incomes,
including students and concession card holders. Because we believe in making sustainable and
convenient mobility accessible to all. In Palmerston North, #BeamForAll will be rolled out in
conjunction with community partner the Central Economic Development Agency.
● Virtual docking: Beam will utilise technology and GPS to direct riders to appropriate parking
spots through a combination of guidance, incentives, and disincentives.