E-scooter complaints drop two months on from parking condition change as City of Albany trial extends

Two months on from a decision to alter the conditions of Albany’s e-scooter trial, the City has reported a reduction in the number of complaints. At its August meeting, Albany council put the two companies operating the trials — Beam Mobility and Bird Rides — on notice, introducing a new requirement for scooters to be parked in dedicated areas. Riders had previously been free to leave scooters wherever they finished their journey so long as it was not a designated no-parking zone. Multiple complaints about discarded scooters making the city look untidy led the council to add in the new condition when it extended the trial for a further six months. City infrastructure, development and environment executive director Paul Camins confirmed the number of complaints about unsightly parking had reduced over the last two months. “Both e-scooter operators responded positively to the feedback provided during the Ordinary Council Meeting in August and were driven to implement changes that enhance the suitability of their product for the community,” he said. Beam WA operations manager Stuart O’Callaghan said riders now had to end their trips at a “designated virtual parking spot as shown in the Beam app”. “Riders attempting to end their trip outside of a virtual parking spot will be unable to do so,” he said. “To ensure the move towards fixed parking does not hinder riders from their daily travel, we have increased the number of parking spots to ensure riders are able to travel where they want when they want.” He said the company had also increased its on-the-ground resources during peak periods to help keep the City looking tidy and educate riders about the changes. “We have seen an increase in parking compliance from our riders,” he said. The initial 12-month trial had been due to end on October 28, but the council’s unanimous decision in August extended the companies’ permits to April 28 next year. The decision means the City and the companies can assess how the new conditions would work during the busy summer holiday period. “We generally see a 25 per cent increase in rides on the Beam platform over the summer months, and look forward to supporting residents and visitors to Albany as the city heads into peak tourist season,” Mr O’Callaghan said. “We encourage all riders to be mindful of their environment when they ride, and ensure they’re using the shared spaces responsibly.” Mr Camins said the City was eager to assess how changes to the trial would play out during a busier period. “When it comes to the ongoing operation of the e-scooters, the City remains committed to data-driven decisions and community feedback that enhance the city’s offering for a more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable mode of micro-mobility,” he said. City officers will compile a report to present council at the completion of the trial so they can determine whether permits for the e-scooters are extended for continued operation.