Ipswich e-scooter trial extended for six months
18 December 2023
E-scooters will stay on the streets of Springfield Central for another six months to allow Ipswich City Council to collect more data on micro-mobility in the region.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said e-scooters had been enthusiastically adopted by Springfield Central residents during the initial six-month trial period from 1 July 2023.
“More than 3,000 users have scooted across the trial to date, demonstrating how quickly e-scooters have been adopted by Springfield Central residents,” Mayor Harding said.
“Scooter users have clocked up 30,000 kilometres in the year to date. These data points alone demonstrate the impact micro-mobility can have on how we get around our suburbs, completing the ‘last mile’ to and from public transport hubs, work and study.
“Council has decided to extend the trial to 1 July 2024, to collect additional data that will help us evaluate the long-term viability of e-scooters in Ipswich.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said Ipswich residents had clocked more than 3,000 hours of total riding time.
“E-scooters have been on the streets of Springfield Central since July for an initial six month period, with council and Beam Mobility working closely to monitor the trial for safety and potential improvements,” Cr Tully said.
“Beam Mobility has monitored community concerns and noted primary concerns around e-scooter parking.
“Additional slow zones have been implemented as a result of this feedback in some areas, including around the university, where e-scooters are restricted to a maximum of 12km/h.
“No parking zones have also been implemented in locations to prevent parking near key locations.
“Beam has also introduced targeted educational campaigns within the Beam App to encourage better parking behaviour.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said residents were urged to share their thoughts on the progress of the trial to date.
“Council’s Shape Your Ipswich page remains open for residents to provide feedback on the e-scooter trial,” Cr Jonic said.
“Beam Mobility can also be contacted directly via their website to provide feedback or ask for immediate support on e-scooters.
“It’s exciting to see how Springfield Central has embraced this new technology and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the extended trial next year.”
Beam’s Regional Operations Manager Andrew Dodd said the Ipswich trial had progressed well and data would continue to be collected over the coming months.
“The data to date shows huge potential for shared micro-mobility to provide transport connections to residents and visitors in Ipswich, and replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car,” Mr Dodd said.
“Over the past six months, we have met regularly with council to discuss any community concerns and implement changes for the benefit of users and residents.
“We’re delighted the trial has been extended for another six months and look forward to continuing our partnership with Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Central community in micro-mobility.”
Residents can share their feedback on the extended trial at Shape Your Ipswich.