Asia-Pacific micromobility operator Beam is using AI-powered sensing technology in New Zealand to ensure riders park their e-scooters and e-bikes properly.

This follows Beam signing a deal to power Wellington’s shared micromobility programme until 2026, with the city passing a two million kilometre milestone this month.

Following the introduction of its latest e-bike fleet last month, Beam will continue its trajectory of upgrades, with AI-powered Pedestrian Shield technology to be integrated into a number of the city’s e-scooters.

With Pedestrian Shield, the e-scooters will accurately and reliably identify whether the vehicle is traveling on sidewalks, streets or bike lanes, enabling Beam to educate riders on safe riding in and around the city, by providing specific in-trip and post-trip feedback.

Beam will also roll out its AI-backed Parking Auditor technology, aimed at educating and enforcing proper rider parking.

The Parking Auditor will audit riders’ end trip photos and detect where an e-scooter or e-bike has been inappropriately parked. Beam’s city marshals will be alerted to relocate an improperly parked vehicle, with riders risking parking penalties and suspensions off the Beam platform for improper parking.

The benefits of shared e-scooters in the city can be seen in Beam’s latest rider data, with over half (53%) of Beam riders in Wellington using Beam for commuting to work and study, and 39% of trips replacing a car journey in Wellington.

More than half (51%) of Wellington riders are aged 35 and above, with shared micromobility adoption for work commutes growing rapidly, particularly with the introduction of Beam’s Apollo Lite e-bikes.

Local businesses have seen the benefits too, with half of Beam trips in Wellington involving a purchase at a local business.

To date, $18,400 has been spent by Beam riders, per Beam vehicle deployed in Wellington, for a total of $9.2m of economic activity generated by rider spend across the city.

“We are pleased to be powering Wellington’s shared micromobility until 2026, and thank the Wellington City Council for their continued confidence in our shared e-mobility operations,” said Jackson Jebaselvan, regional operations manager for Beam (www.ridebeam.com). “The extremely high level of adoption among Wellington residents who live and work where shared e-scooters and e-bikes are available demonstrates how Wellington is already a leader in shared e-mobility. We look forward to bringing upgrades to our shared micromobility service over the coming months, with Wellington being an optimal city for us to be introducing the latest shared micromobility technology. Above all, we aim to provide our riders with the latest hardware, opening up shared micromobility to more riders regardless of their age, gender or physicality. We’re pleased with the success of our operations to date and will continue working closely with the council and local community to provide safe, affordable and eco-friendly transport connections across Wellington.”

Jess Whattam, senior behaviour change specialist at Wellington City Council (wellington.govt.nz), added: “We are delighted about continuing our ongoing collaboration with the current operators for the next 18 months in Wellington. Our partnership will aim to further enhance the micromobility programme throughout the city, with a particular focus on pedestrian and footpath safety.”