Townsville cancels Beam Mobility e-scooters amid removal plan

Townsville Council in Far North Queensland has decided to terminate its contract with Beam Mobility, the rental e-scooter company, due to compliance issues and discrepancies in reported scooter numbers. This decision follows similar actions taken by Brisbane and Darwin, which also suspended their contracts with Beam. The council's investigation revealed that Beam had exceeded the agreed cap of 300 e-scooters, raising concerns about safety and operational integrity in public spaces. Mayor Troy Thompson expressed dissatisfaction with the contract, indicating that it was not beneficial for the city. The council is currently assessing the situation and has requested the immediate removal of all Beam e-scooters from Townsville. This move is part of a broader trend in Australia, where cities are reevaluating the presence of e-scooters due to safety concerns and operational compliance. The investigation into Beam Mobility has uncovered that the company was allegedly deploying 'phantom' scooters to circumvent the capped numbers, leading to significant financial losses for local ratepayers. In Brisbane, an audit revealed that Beam operated an average of 500 extra scooters daily, far exceeding the permitted limit. This has prompted the Brisbane Council to consider further actions, including a referral to corporate watchdogs and potential police involvement. As Townsville moves forward, the council is exploring alternative options for e-scooter operations, aiming to ensure safety and compliance in the future. The recent developments reflect a growing backlash against e-scooter rentals in Australian cities, with concerns about cluttered footpaths and public safety becoming increasingly prominent.