The quiet streets of Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain saw a short-lived transport experiment come to an early end, despite solid community support and growing rider numbers.
A popular ride cut short
The trial ran in those suburbs from July 2023 until October 2024 under a partnership between Ipswich City Council and Beam Mobility. Council data showed between 60 and 89 trips a day, with riders typically travelling 2.4 kilometres in about 11 minutes.
An earlier Shape Your Ipswich project page shows the company initially deployed up to 125 scooters and trained riders through its Beam Safe Academy. When the pilot was extended in late 2023, the data looked promising. But by late 2024, Beam had informed Council that it would not continue operations beyond the Springfield Lakes zone.
The most common routes linked the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre, the University of Southern Queensland campus, and the Springfield train stations, revealing demand for short, flexible travel within the growing suburbs.
The official trial summary confirmed that Beam’s withdrawal was voluntary, not due to local performance issues.
Safety before speed
Although only one minor incident was recorded throughout the trial, officials were wary about e-scooter use on busy footpaths and near pedestrian areas. Beam Mobility had introduced strict safety controls, such as speed caps in high-traffic zones, automatic braking or shutdown when riders left approved areas, and restricted parking in unsafe spots.
These measures were well received, and 63 per cent of respondents in a Council survey said e-scooters felt safe to use. Still, it was concluded that community safety had to outweigh convenience.
What’s Next?
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee chairman, Andrew Antoniolli, said many remained uneasy about the pace of e-mobility growth. While the Springfield Lakes trial had proven that residents were willing to use e-scooters responsibly, he noted that the laws governing personal mobility devices had not kept up with public use.
Mr Antoniolli said they were waiting for guidance from a national inquiry into e-mobility safety and regulation, which has received more than 1,200 public submissions. Council officials said they remain open to future trials once clear safety and legal frameworks are in place.
Published 28-Oct-2025
