E-scooters all the rage in Port Douglas

Tourism

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated:
Beam E-scooter operational footprint in Port Douglas has grown in recent weeks, with nine resorts now part of the scheme as dedicated parking zones. IMAGE: Supplied

E-scooters are now all the rage across the globe and Port Douglas is not lagging behind and is making this mode of transport readily available.

Sadly, though, there have been accidents and a user recently found themselves in Mossman Hospital.

It's with this in mind that the Queensland Police Service issued the following:

“Our message is: ride your e-scooter responsibly, look after your safety and that of other road users and pedestrians. Obey the road rules as they are in place for your protection and safety.”

Beam, the company behind this micromobility, has built a team from across the Asia Pacific region with the passion, the expertise and the local experience to pioneer new ways to get around that are fit for this century, not the last one.

According to Beam ANZ’s General Manager Tom Cooper, Beam’s operational footprint in Port Douglas has grown in recent weeks, with nine resorts now part of the scheme as dedicated parking zones.

“The expansion of the parking network ensures tourists and local residents have access to a sustainable, affordable and convenient transport alternative to move around Port Douglas,” he said.


Beam e-scooters are now supported by:

  • Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
  • Niramaya Villas & Spa
  • Chilly's Pizza & Trattoria
  • Coral Beach Lodge
  • Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
  • Port Douglas Outrigger Holiday Apartments
  • St Crispins Cafe
  • Ti-Tree Village
  • Wildlife Habitat

Cooper said it currently costs $25 to unlock an e-scooter in Port Douglas, and $0.04 for every minute you ride.

“We GPS track every e-scooter and have comprehensive in-app guidelines for riders to educate them on safe riding and parking, and provide incentives for riders who do the right thing. We also have marshals roaming the streets to ensure riding and parking rules are followed.

“We have personal accident insurance for every rider,” he said.

Cooper said as per Queensland legislation, helmets are mandatory and are provided with each e-scooter.


Embraced

“We’ve been really pleased with both the demand of micro-mobility but also how the local community have embraced the e-scooters.

“We haven’t seen any behaviour we’re concerned about, but we work closely with Council and the local community to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable access of micro-mobility to all.

“With every trip on a Beam being carbon-neutral, that shows great potential for micro-mobility to aid in modal shift away from cars, and provide increased connectivity for residents to travel, similar to what we’ve seen in other cities where we operate.”

Beam launched operations in September last year in Port Douglas, specifically designed to assist with tourist attraction and retention.


Economic activity

“Statistics show that tourists spend more when utilising e-scooters, and with the tough tourism conditions due to COVID-19 we have been thrilled to support local tourism and help stimulate economic activity.

“It’s no secret that tourism around Australia has suffered due to the pandemic, and we’ve enjoyed working with the local tourism industry to revitalise tourism ahead of summer. For the first time in Australia, we chose to partner with resorts and hotels and have e-scooters parked at their properties for hire.

“The service is designed to really appeal to tourists and visitors, both as a family-friendly activity and also an alternative to needing to rent a car whilst in town. It’s been really popular, both with the partner resorts and also with tourists.

“We’re working with more tourism businesses who are keen to partner with us. The model in Port Douglas is designed to have visitors hire out our e-scooters for longer periods of time, so they can really explore the town.”

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