Launceston e-scooter hopeful launches business 'Booster'

Alongside competing electric scooter operator Neuron Mobility, the two companies are preparing to launch tandem 12-month trials in the city, after submitting expressions of interest with the council earlier this year.

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As part of Beam's roll-out, the company has opened its business-oriented 'booster' program in Hobart and Launceston for submissions. The program allows local businesses to partner with Beam's e-scooter fleet to help drive riders to participating locations.

Under the program, businesses can opt to have an approved virtual parking spot outside their location. Riders who choose to park their e-scooter in this spot will be rewarded with a promotional offer for the related business, such as a discount on coffee or retail goods.

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The system works symbiotically, as the incentives encourage riders to park Beam's e-scooters in pre-approved spots and those businesses in-turn receive a boost in foot traffic.

While the program is now open for submissions from businesses, a start date has yet to be determined. Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten expects the Beam and Neuron Mobility trials to begin in the coming weeks - initially in a limited capacity - pending final regulatory changes by the state government.

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"The trial enables the councils to have some level of control over who enters the e-scooter rental market and to work with the successful providers to regulate and test their operations through the trial period," he added.

According to Infrastructure and Transport minister Michael Ferguson, the legislation for local councils to have the power to restrict footpaths or add divided local roads for personal mobility device use is due to receive Royal Assent next week.

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