Bunbury locals & visitors to ride through CBD as popular Beam electric scooter trial returns before Christmas

Helmets at the ready — a popular e-scooter trial is returning to the Bunbury CBD after services were suspended last year because of the escalating COVID-19 crisis.

Bunbury was the first WA city to trial e-scooters when electric mobility company Beam brought its bright purple scooters to the South West for a six-month test period from early March 2020.

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• Purple electric scooters landing in Bunbury

At the official launch later that month, a Beam spokeswoman said feedback had been positive, with more than 1000 rides completed since the scooters arrived.

However, the escalating pandemic saw the service temporarily suspended a week later.

This week, the City of Bunbury finalised a new trading licence agreement with Beam to bring the trial back to the CBD streets.

The app-based service offers pay-as-you-go rates as a convenient, affordable and sustainable way for people to travel around Bunbury.

A fleet of e-scooters will be located at prominent city attractions including Dolphin Discovery Centre, Jetty Baths, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, and along Ocean Drive.

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel, who took the City’s first official ride last year, said it was fantastic to have the e-scooters return in time for summer.

“The e-scooters provided a great buzz around Bunbury for both residents and visitors when they were initially launched last year, but unfortunately the service was cut short due to COVID-19,” he said.

“(It’s) a great way to visit the many attractions we have in Bunbury, whether that be our tourist destinations or a local store, restaurant, or cafe.”

Beam general manager ANZ Tom Cooper said he was thrilled to bring the scooters back to Bunbury ahead of Christmas and the bustling tourist season.

“Bunbury is a beautiful city, and we look forward to seeing locals and visitors alike exploring more of what the city has to offer on our e-scooters,” he said.

A full report will be provided to the City after two weeks to determine if any operational adjustments for the trial are required.

The trial will also be rolled out in Esperance and Rockingham.