Council approved a 12-month e-scooter trial within the urban areas of Bendigo in November 2023.

The decision was based on case studies of other councils, input from council staff, state government representatives, and talks with commercial operators.

The City expressed interest in participating in the State Government’s e-scooter trial in 2020, but only Ballarat was selected at the time.

The Victorian Government launched an e-scooter trial in 2021. It started with three metropolitan councils Melbourne, Yarra, and Port Phillip, and one regional city, Ballarat.

In April 2023, the trial expanded. This allowed any council to do its own e-scooter trial with commercial operators. In October 2024, following a two and a half year trial, the government introduced permanent regulations, including updated rules and increased penalties.

In Victoria, commercial e-scooter hire services can only operate if they have an agreement with the local council.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s role is to approve licenses to e-scooter operators within its local government area. The City does not regulate privately owned e-scooters. The enforcement of riding rules is the responsibility of Victoria Police.

The City of Greater Bendigo selected Beam Mobility after a ‘Public Request for Quotation’ process in early 2024.

Beam is a globally recognised micromobility operator. They provide e-scooter services in over 60 cities. The company has a strong safety record and experience in both major cities and regional areas across Australia and New Zealand.

The trial began on May 23, 2024. There were measures in place to encourage responsible use and minimise community impact, including:

• Designated Parking Areas: Users must park in designated zones or face penalties
• Geofencing: Areas with speed limits, no-go zones, and no-parking zones, covering pedestrian-heavy areas, parks, shopping centres, and schools
• Reduced Operating Area: E-scooters are available only within the City Centre and surrounding areas
• Limited Operating Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM daily
• Incentives for Good Behaviour: Users receive credit benefits for parking correctly
• Three-Strike Policy: Repeated violations lead to suspension from the service
• Local Support Team: Beam staff in Bendigo handle complaints, relocate scooters, and monitor usage
• Insurance Coverage: Beam provides personal accident and third-party liability insurance

The City has a project working group with internal and external members to monitor the trial and make adjustments as needed. Beam is also working with the Victorian Government to introduce footpath detection technology and rider cognitive testing for improved compliance.

For the latest rules and penalties, visit the VICROADS website

Visit the VicRoads e-scooter webpage

Beam operates the e-scooter trial in Bendigo and offers a quick response system for misplaced scooters:

• To report an incorrectly parked e-scooter, Visit the Beam Mobility website page

If you have a concern or complaint about a rider on a Beam e-scooter, immediately register your complaint with Beam’s Customer Service team.

Contact Beam Customer Service

Please provide the vehicle registration number (if possible) and as much detail as possible on the behaviour (i.e. location, time, regularity).

If the rider is breaking the law, please also refer the matter to the police.

Every e-scooter has its own QR code, which means they can be tracked and monitored 24/7, with Beam knowing who the registered rider is at any moment. This assists Beam and the police with tracking down riders not doing the right thing. If the complaint is about a rider on a privately owned e-scooter, then please refer the matter to the police.

With safety as a top priority, the Beam Safe Academy provides comprehensive in-app and online rider education, and technology to act against improper riding. Beam has a three strikes policy to ensure those doing the wrong thing are barred.

Incidents of vandalism or bad behaviour are rare, but in the event that these occur, Beam will investigate every single report made through their 24/7 customer service channels to ensure the actions of some do not ruin a good experience for others.