City of Hobart considering the future of Beam in the City

Published on 05 September 2024

Following its own investigations, the City of Hobart has issued Beam with a show cause notice to be responded to by close of business, Friday 6 September 2024.

This follows several other cities, including Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville and Auckland, cancelling their contracts with Beam in relation to allegations of under reporting of active scooters.

While other councils were made aware of these allegations some weeks prior, the City of Hobart learnt of these serious allegations on 31 August through media reporting.

The City immediately commenced its own investigations into whether the company has breached its contractual conditions, which cover the entire period of engagement with Beam, including the trial period.

Quotes from City of Hobart CEO Michael Stretton:

“The City has been continuing to liaise with other jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand as well as with Beam directly.

“We have issued Beam with a show cause notice.

“The company will have until close of business, Friday 6 September, to respond.

“If Beam does not meet its contractual obligations and provide a satisfactory response, then it is fair to say the City will have no hesitation in cancelling its licence.

“Irrespective of a decision on the licence, the future of e-scooter operations within the City will be considered by the Council at its September meeting.”