New Smaller, Lighter E-bikes Introduced to Australian Bikeshare
Brisbane, Queensland
Beam has introduced 260 ‘Apollo Lite’ E-Bikes to join their existing Brisbane e-bike share fleet for a total of 38 e-bikes.
The new Apollo Lite design also aims to close the gender gap in micromobility, with Beam’s recent rider survey showing that only 34% of e-bike riders in Brisbane identify as female, with many preferring e-scooters, finding them easier to manoeuvre.
The Apollo seat post has greater adjustment, to accommodate a wider range of rider heights, down to 155 centimetres. It also has a lighter frame, smaller handlebars and wider tyres, fitted to smaller diameter wheels. It features automatic up-hill detection, providing real-time assistance to riders tackling inclines.
Although popular with tourists, commuting is a growing market for bike and scooter share. The latest research from Beam revealed that 43% of riders across Brisbane utilise the service for commuting to their place of work or study.
Darwin Expands Share Scheme Area
On Thursday 30th May the City of Darwin announced that they were expanding the operational zone for share scheme e-bikes, e-scooters and seated e-scooters.
Until now they’ve been geofenced out from operating in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, a prime city centre tourism and recreation area that includes the Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin Wave Pool, parks, restaurants, shops and apartments.
Darwin’s Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the expanded footprint was great news for locals as well as visitors.
“We are pleased to have worked with the Darwin Waterfront Corporation and Beam to expand the range of micromobility vehicles from beyond our city centre to the Waterfront Precinct,” he said.
“Our Movement Strategy aims to make it easier for people to move around the city by improving streetscapes, infrastructure and connectivity, and this expansion helps us to achieve that goal.
“It is great news for cruise ship passengers arriving at the Waterfront, as they will now a convenient, eco-friendly way to explore and commute within our beautiful city.
“The introduction of micromobility vehicles to the Waterfront Precinct is part of a broader strategy to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transport solutions in Darwin,” Mr Vatskalis said.
In a press release the City of Darwin said that over one third of riders have used share bikes and scooters to travel to and from local businesses, with eight out of 10 trips involving a purchase. More than half of riders said they have used their cars less because of access to shared e-scooters and e-bikes.
Since 2023 Darwin’s share scheme has been operated by Beam, whose General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said, “Residents and visitors to Darwin have ridden over 135,000 kilometres on a Beam over the past six months, and we’re thrilled that they will now be able to ride further, and explore more of Darwin’s attractions.”
Bendigo Launched
In earlier news from Beam, on 23rd May they launched the first share scheme to be hosted in Bendigo, Victoria. Initially the fleet will include 250 e-scooters.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said, “I am delighted to welcome Beam to the City of Greater Bendigo for the 12-month trial.”
Bendigo is Victoria’s fourth largest city, ranking after Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. It has a population of approximately103,000 and is 148 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
Hobart Moves From Trial to Ongoing Operations
Back in March 2024 the City of Hobart awarded Beam an exclusive 12 month operational licence to operate in Hobart. Beam say that their scooters have been ridden over 800,000 kilometres during the trial.
As we previously reported here, the City of Hobart first ran a trial which involved both Beam and Neuron.
Live in July – Micromobiltiy Report Podcast with Tom Cooper
In June we launched the first monthly Micromobility Report Podcast. In July our second guest is Beam’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Tom Cooper.
You can see more about the Micromobility Report Podcast here.