Lime & Beam Gain Market Share in Flat Australian Micromobility Market in the First Half of 2024
Lime Replaces Neuron in Brisbane today, while Beam became Hobart’s sole operator — Minor changes in other locations.
By Stephen Coulter, Co-Founder of Zipidi Micromobility
Micromobility in Australia: Market Update
Australia’s micromobility landscape rapidly evolves, with approximately 52 cities and towns hosting shared micromobility operations. Leading the charge is Beam Mobility, which boasts the largest market share and core operations across Brisbane, ACT, Adelaide, Darwin, and Tasmania. Beam has successfully implemented a business model that thrives on smaller fleets, typically ranging from 250 to 300, even in less populous towns.
Lime has also made significant strides, particularly in Melbourne, and has reclaimed its stake in Brisbane from Neuron, solidifying its presence in the Australian market. Meanwhile, Neuron maintains strong performance in Melbourne, ACT, and Adelaide.
The sector anticipates further expansion, with new tenders in Melbourne, Adelaide, and potentially NSW, expected to stimulate market growth and activity over the coming year.
However, the first half of 2024 has seen a deceleration in growth due to extensive government reviews and committees. These reviews have scrutinised trials, vehicle standards, riding rules, and the safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, most state governments are reassessing the path forward to ensure safety and efficacy.
Local governments have exhibited caution, opting to delay the initiation or expansion of shared scooter operations pending the outcome of these reviews. Despite this, Victoria has taken decisive action, declaring e-scooters a permanent fixture from October, with no significant regulatory changes except for increased penalties for infractions.
South Australia has followed suit, announcing the permanency of e-scooters, including privately owned scooters in public spaces. However, the legislative process is expected to be protracted, with full implementation not anticipated until the first quarter of 2025.
Queensland and Western Australia are evaluating vehicle standards and riding rules, with announcements expected later in the year. New South Wales is particularly active, with four ongoing reviews:
- Parliamentary Committee into Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Batteries
- Parliamentary Committee into Use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and related mobility options
- NSW Department of Fair Trading’s regulation of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other Lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility vehicles
- TfNSW e-micromobility Interagency Group, a group of 13 NSW government departments and agencies
These reviews are critical in shaping the future of micromobility in Australia, ensuring that growth is matched with safety and sustainability. As the industry awaits the outcomes, it remains poised for a transformative phase redefining urban transportation.
Rider Trends: A Mixed Bag in Q2 2024
The latest Ride Report for the second quarter of 2024 presents a complex picture of urban mobility across nine major cities. While overall ride numbers have remained stable, the details reveal shifting patterns beneath the surface.
E-scooters, which have become a staple in urban transportation, saw a slight 5% decline in rides compared to the same quarter last year, totalling just over 2 million. This dip reflects the ongoing regulatory discussions that have left some operators and cities in a state of uncertainty.
Conversely, bicycles are experiencing a resurgence. With a 39% increase from a previously lower base, bike rides reached 600,000 this quarter. This uptick is attributed to operators capitalising on “wheel grabs,” a term that describes the strategic acquisition of bike operations in anticipation of potential e-scooter opportunities.
It’s important to note that these figures are based on estimated licenses gathered from various sources, including media, operators, and independent reports. Given that not all licenses result in active vehicles, the actual number of e-scooters and bikes in use is likely lower than reported.
For the most accurate and current data or to contribute updates, please contact stephen@zipidi.fun. As the urban mobility landscape continues to evolve, staying informed is vital to navigating the future of city transportation.
