The shared e-scooter trial in Springfield, led by Ipswich City Council in collaboration with Beam Mobility, will conclude on November 22, marking the end of a 15-month pilot aimed at assessing the potential of e-scooters as part of the region’s transport network.
Cr Andrew Antoniolli, Chairperson of Ipswich City Council’s Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee, shared that the decision to end the trial followed Beam Mobility’s notification to withdraw from operations in Ipswich.
“Council partnered with Beam Mobility in July 2023 to explore how e-scooters might complement our broader transport network,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Since then, we’ve seen impressive uptake, with over 27,000 trips recorded across Springfield Central, Spring Mountain, and Springfield Lakes, averaging about 75 trips daily.”
Reflecting on the trial’s outcomes, Cr Antoniolli noted the council’s focus on understanding community interest and transport needs.
“This trial has allowed us to capture valuable data on user behavior, trip lengths, and local sentiment towards shared e-scooters,” he said.
“Residents have embraced the service enthusiastically, and we’re now analysing feedback to gauge the feasibility of reintroducing shared e-scooters on a more permanent basis.”
Data collected so far indicates a strong demand for e-scooters for short “last-mile” trips, particularly in transit-accessible areas like Springfield Central Train Station and community hubs such as Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre and the University of Southern Queensland.
The council also highlighted the trial’s safety record, with no major incidents reported and fewer than one percent of trips resulting in community complaints.
“This has been a very positive trial with significant support from residents,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“We are committed to keeping the community informed about any future steps and welcome input on our Shape Your Ipswich page.”
As Ipswich City Council considers the future of shared e-scooters, residents who participated in the trial are encouraged to share their experiences.
“Your feedback will play a key role in deciding the future role of e-scooters within Ipswich’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy,” Cr Antoniolli said.
For more information and to participate in the survey, residents can visit the council’s Shape Your Ipswich page.
