The City of Greater Bendigo has decided to pause plans for an extended 12-month e-scooter trial as the sector prepares for significant legislative and industry changes affecting share hire schemes across Victoria.
Earlier this year, Council approved a 12-month trial extension to expand e-scooter operations in urban Bendigo. Beam Mobility (Beam) participated in the initial 12-month trial launched in May 2024, which aimed to improve connections between urban precincts and encourage more sustainable transport choices for short trips. Beam's contract was extended temporarily this year after the trial ended to provide a service while the City undertook a procurement process for the second 12-month trial. Beam has chosen not to apply for the next contract process beyond the temporary extension.
The micro-mobility share hire industry is currently undergoing considerable change, with new Victorian Government safety technologies and regulatory requirements expected in late 2025. These include a pre-approval scheme for operators, with requirements such as helmet compliance, cognitive testing, Bluetooth Beacon technology for designated parking, and footpath detection technology. While a few of these requirements may not be mandatory for regional areas, the City's preference is to better understand the changing requirements in the first instance.
Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said it was the right decision to pause the trial with so much uncertainty in the industry.
"During the Request for Quote process, it became clear that the industry is navigating a period of transition, with operators preparing for new Victorian Government pre-approval requirements expected later this year," Mr Petherbridge said.
"To ensure any future trial is successful and aligns with best practice, the City has decided to pause the process while these changes take effect. Over the next six months, we will undertake a market analysis and consider renewed procurement options once the new regulatory framework is established at state level. We remain open to new and innovative opportunities for share hire schemes in the future.
"If a future trial proceeds, we will place greater emphasis on the inclusion of e-bikes and only consider the Department of Transport and Planning's pre-approved operators to ensure factors around community safety and compliance.
"The purpose of the trial has always been to provide residents and visitors with a sustainable, affordable, and convenient alternative mode of transport. We are grateful for the lessons learned from the initial trial, which informed recommendations for expanding the scheme to areas such as Golden Square, Long Gully, and White Hills, in line with our shared walking and cycling networks.
"The City would like to take this opportunity to thank Beam for its partnership in delivering the region's first e-scooter share hire scheme and for its strong collaboration with City officers and community stakeholders. The trial in a small area of urban Bendigo demonstrated the potential for e-scooters to offer an alternative transport option for the community."
Chief of Staff Beam Mobility Ross Vinten said since the launch in May 2024, riders have travelled close to 90,000 kilometres, close to 55,000 trips.
"While the program has been well-received, ridership has been lower than expected and continuing the service is unfortunately not financially viable for us. We sincerely thank the City of Greater Bendigo, our loyal riders, and local businesses for their support, and our dedicated local Beam team for keeping the service running safely and reliably," Mr Vinten said.
Beam's temporary operations in urban Bendigo will end on Thursday October 23. Beam has notified its e-scooter riders via the Beam app.
