Ipswich City Council launched its six-month e-scooter trial over the weekend – allowing Springfield residents access to convenient personal transportation.
The distinctive purple e-scooters require a smartphone and can be found at designated parking hubs and along footpaths in Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain.
Initially scheduled for May, the trial will now run from July 8 until December.
Council partnered with e-scooter hire company Beam to deliver the pilot program – the first of its kind in Ipswich.
It will survey the benefits of shared electric ‘micromobility’ vehicles, including electric scooters and bikes, with a view to solve the so-called “last mile” problem – inconvenient transport gaps that commuters frequently encounter leading to their final destinations.
Council’s Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Teresa Harding said e-scooters are a great way for residents to get about their suburbs quickly and safely without having to rely on private cars or public transport.
“It is always exciting to see new options for transport come to our city, and residents have been waiting eagerly for this trial to start,” Mayor Harding said.
Council’s ‘iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy’, adopted in 2019, sets out a roadmap for implementing new technology like e-scooters into Ipswich’s transport networks, she explained.
Share your experiences
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic encouraged residents to participate and have their say.
“Getting to and from public transport can be a barrier for people,” Cr Jonic noted.
“Having the electric assistance means you don’t have to have a change of clothes – as e-scooters are great for tackling hills and heat.”
E-scooters also free up parking spaces, reduce congestion, and are healthy and good for the environment, Cr Jonic added.
“We encourage the community to let us know how these scooters work for you.”
In addition, Beam’s app-based service includes virtual safety lessons, directions to designated parking, and affordable pay-as-you-go rates.
Queensland Operations Manager Andrew Dodd said the company has the experience in community engagement, technology, and safety education to make the trial successful.
“We have seen shared micromobility take off in other Queensland cities and towns, with the data from our other operations [including Brisbane] showing a shift from cars to e-scooters – particularly for shorter trips under 5km,” Mr Dodd said.
“We have seen shared micromobility take off in other Queensland cities and towns, with the data from our other operations [including Brisbane] showing a shift from cars to e-scooters – particularly for shorter trips under 5km,” Mr Dodd said.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the trial will give Ipswich City Council clear guidance.
“E-scooters are popular, affordable and efficient transport for many in cities across Australia. This trial will allow residents to try out shared e-scooters and provide their thoughts and input on how Council might integrate e-scooters into the city’s transport network for the long term,” Cr Tully said.
“E-scooters are popular, affordable and efficient transport for many in cities across Australia, and this new six-month trial will give Ipswich City Council clear guidance on their future here,” Cr Tully said.
“This trial will allow residents to try out shared e-scooters and provide their thoughts and input on how Council might integrate e-scooters into the city’s transport network for the long term.”
Safety paramount
E-scooter riders must obey most general road rules and speed limits – and must always wear a helmet.
Where there are no indicated speed limits, the default limits are 12km/h on footpaths, shared paths, and crossings, and 25km/h on bike paths, bike lanes, and local roads (that is, roads with no dividing line and limited to 50km/h).
The trial comes just three months after a pair of teenagers allegedly collided with a four-year-old while improperly riding a single e-scooter in tandem – near Orion Springfield Central, on April 5.
The child sustained serious head injuries and was taken to hospital.
Cr Tully said managing the trial in a controlled and safe environment was vital, and Beam had been chosen for their strong safety record.
“Beam has a strong track record of operating in Queensland cities,” Cr Tully said.
“Their e-scooters include safety features such as tip-resistant dual kickstands, front suspension, triple brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries.”
Other features include ‘geo-locking’ technology, which limits unsafe use in high pedestrian zones.
Using the e-scooters
STEP 1 – Locate a Beam. Download the Beam app and find an e-scooter nearby on the app.
STEP 2 – Unlock it. Scan the QR code on the handlebar to unlock the e-scooter and follow the instructions on the app.
STEP 3 – Safety First. Check all equipment, including the brakes, and wear a helmet before you ride.
STEP 4 – Start riding. Push off on the e-scooter to get it moving, then press the ‘Go’ button gently.
STEP 5 – To slow down and stop: Release the ‘Go’ button gently to reduce your speed or pull firmly on the brake levers on the handlebar.
STEP 6 – End of trip. Park at designated parking spots or find a safe place on the footpath away from pedestrians. Then place the e-scooter back on its kickstand before ending the trip.
For more information about Beam’s e-scooters, visit ridebeam.com/au/rider.
See also: Potholes… there’s an app for that
