New Bunbury e-scooters proving popular

Beam Mobility officially launched its e-scooter service in Bunbury on Thursday, with Deputy Mayor Jaysen Miguel taking the city’s first official ride.

The launch is part of a State-first six month trial of the scooters as a way to encourage a more convenient, affordable and sustainable way for residents and visitors to travel around Bunbury.

Mayor Gary Brennan tested out the scooters and said the launch was a culmination of many months of discussions and he was delighted to have Beam in Bunbury.

“It’s a wonderful addition to Bunbury,” he said.

The Beam e-scooters have provided a real buzz around Bunbury and both residents and visitors have been taking advantage of a new way to get around our great city.

Beam Bunbury city manager Belle Lim said the company was working closely with local businesses such as the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Hello Summer Beach Kiosk.

“Beam e-scooters provide a reminder that we need to identify sustainable and efficient systems to support inner-city living and provide transport alternatives for visitors that allow them to fully experience our natural environment,” Dolphin Discovery Centre chief executive David Kerr said.

Ms Lim said the response to the scooter trial had been positive with more than 1000 rides completed.

“It’s definitely a benefit to tourism,” she said. “I think e-scooters are great for tourists to get around.

“I’ve seen a lot of rides taken up around the Dolphin Discovery Centre and dropped off in the CBD and vice versa.”

Addressing concerns over the transmission of COVID-19 through scooters, Ms Lim said Beam took the situation very seriously and had marshals who cleaned the scooters each day.

“Every time we charge a scooter we make sure we disinfect everything — the high touch points we call it — the handlebars, down to the throttle, even the helmets, we disinfect it with sprays,” she said.

“We’re making sure we keep everything as safe as we can and are monitoring the situation very closely.”