Shire of Denmark extends Beam e-scooter contract for 24 months in line with environment strategy

The Shire of Denmark has renewed e-scooter operator Beam’s permit to operate within the Denmark town site for 24 months during a council meeting on Tuesday.

The original trial of the e-scooters ran for 12 months and was due to end on December 22.

E-scooters were introduced to the shire in 2022 as part of the Strategic Community and Sustainability Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As of November, e-scooters have travelled more than 23,500km within the shire, replacing car rides and avoiding four tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The Singaporean-owned company operates 80 e-scooters within the boundaries of the Denmark town site and employs locals for collection.

Cr Nathan Devenport noted the shire had previously received a substantial amount of complaints that scooters had been left lying around on the streets, obstructing vehicles and pedestrians.

He also said that the number of complaints in the last few months had reduced following Beam’s requirement for users to park e-scooters in designated spots around town.

The council unanimously passed on the review, awarding Beam the 24-month permit.