Queenstown’s first commercial e-scooters will hit the roads, and pavements, on Wednesday.
Beam’s introducing 300 e-scooters to the resort after signing a memorandum of understanding with Queenstown’s council for a two-year trial in December.
Beam GM Tom Cooper says the company’s partnered with more than 15 Queenstown businesses to introduce the service — e-scooters will be parked at partner business locations for riders to use, with fixed ‘‘virtual docking’’ technology requiring the rider to end their trip at one of those locations, identified within its app.
The app-based service will cost $1 to unlock and 65 cents a minute, with subscription passes available for regular users.
Cooper says its rider education programme, comprising in-app and online safety education, will also be in place.
Part of the reason for the trial’s to test Queenstown’s suitability for the emerging transport mode, which might help with traffic congestion.
Cooper says the company’s seen micromobility take off in other areas of New Zealand — in Auckland and Wellington, for example, data from Beam’s operations show a shift from cars to e-scooters for trips under 5km.
‘‘We know that bringing a new mode of transport to the streets brings change for everyone — pedestrians, drivers and the broader comunity — and look forward to engaging with local community and stakeholders to ensure a viable means of transport for all,’’ he says.
‘‘We are committed to forming further 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.’’
Beam plans to operate from the far end of Sunshine Bay and Fernhill to Frankton, initially, with plans to expand further in time.
At an industry briefing last month, Queenstown launch head Frederick Conquer said the Beam Saturn would be operating in Queenstown — it’s been tested on the trails network between Frankton and Queenstown and handles ‘‘mild off-road conditions’’ and icy surfaces.
Beam won’t shut down over winter, but automatically-enforced speed limits will be lowered.
The scooters are fitted with indicators, safety lights and individual number plates for road use.
They’ll be available for hire between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week.
