FAQs
Why is Council supporting micromobility?
Armidale is already established around a sound base of education, rural industry, distinct tourism flavour, research, and the other attributes unique to New England. Armidale’s assets, history and scale alone provide an opportunity to move in a new strategic direction and exploit existing, and new opportunities developing in this changing world.
The E-scooter Trial project provides an opportunity for Armidale to lead regional NSW in trialling an emerging mode of transport, bringing new technologies, alternative affordable modes of transportation and vibrancy to our region. The increased use of electric scooters and other modes of transport also contributes to our region achieving its Zero30 emissions target, an important goal for our community.
How important is safety to the trial?
The NSW Government has taken the time to consider the safest possible trial, that balances the risks and benefits of shared e-scooters.
As part of this trial, shared e-scooters from Beam will only be allowed on bicycle paths, shared paths and roads with a speed limit of up to 50 km/h, and it will be illegal to ride the e-scooters on the footpath.
Riders will also be required to be 16 years old and over, wear an approved bike helmet, and will only be able to travel at 10km/h on shared paths and a maximum speed of 20 km/h on a road, bicycle lane or bicycle path.
Riders are also subject to the same drink and drug driving laws as motor vehicle drivers, and if they are caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply.
The Armidale trial area has also undergone a Road Safety Audit which has helped Council identify and address any safety risks.
Why are shared e-scooters allowed to be part of the trial but not privately owned e-scooters?
Allowing e-scooters provided through share companies will ensure the trial can be carefully controlled and monitored.
Shared e-scooters are speed limited so they cannot exceed the speed limits in the trial area. Shared scheme e-scooters can be geo-fenced so they will not operate outside the approved trial areas.
It will also ensure Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are able to get the most accurate data about how the e-scooters are used and how safe they are, to assist with evaluating the future of e-scooters in NSW.
The NSW e-scooter shared scheme trial (https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/armidale) only includes e-scooter shared services and the current rules and restrictions for privately owned scooters will remain.
Is Council using tax payers money on the trial?
No. With approvals from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Council is facilitating the trial in the Armidale area. Apart from some staff time, the trial has no cost to ratepayers as the service will be provided by Beam Mobility.
Would students living in town benefit from the e-scooter trial?
Shared micromobility has the potential to contribute positively to students' commuter habits. Students living, working and studying within Beam's operational area will be able to utilise e-scooters as part of their daily travel.
Students (16 years and over) will be able to hire a scooter and get to their destination as long as their departure location/destination is part of the zoned area of the trial, which is available via the Beam app.
Who should I contact if I see a Beam e-scooter in a place it shouldn't be (e.g. in the creek)?
Contact Beam directly at ridebeam.com/help or call 1300 507 676.
Where can I hire a Beam e-scooter?
You can find Beam e-scooters for hire within the ‘Beam zone’ via the Beam app.
How can I hire a Beam e-scooter?
Beam e-scooters are available for hire on a pay-as-you-go basis via the Beam app.
Where can I ride a Beam e-scooter?
As part of the NSW e-scooter shared scheme trial (https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/armidale), you must only ride e-scooters on designated areas in Armidale. These trial locations were approved by Transport for NSW and can be viewed on the Beam app.
What happens if I leave the 'Beam zone'?
If you travel outside of the Beam zone, you will receive a notification asking you to return to the zone. If you continue to travel outside the zone, your e-scooter will come to a safe stop and you will not be able to travel any further.
How can I stay safe on an e-scooter?
Visit ridebeam.com/safety for advice to help you stay safe while riding.
Additional safety tips for e-scooters, as part of the NSW e-scooter sharing scheme trial, are available at https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/armidale.
Do I have to bring my own helmet to ride an e-scooter?
Beam's e-scooters include a helmet and a Bluetooth helmet lock so riders always have access to equipment that will help them stay safe.
Who should I contact if there is a fault with a Beam e-scooter?
Contact Beam directly at ridebeam.com/help or call 1300 507 676.
Who do I contact if I have general feedback or suggestions about the Armidale e-scooter trial?
If you have general feedback or suggestions about the trial of e-scooters in Armidale, you can share it via email (escootertrial@armidale.nsw.gov.au).