On this page
E-Scooter Trial Paused
The City has paused plans for its extended 12-month e-scooter hire scheme trial due to upcoming legislative and industry changes affecting share hire schemes across Victoria.
The initial trial with Beam Mobility, which began in May 2024, aimed to assess the viability of e-scooters as a sustainable transport option for residents and visitors. Following its completion in May 2025, Council approved a second 12-month trial with potential inclusion of e-bikes. Beam’s contract was temporarily extended while the City undertook a procurement process to identify a suitable operator.
However, during this process, it became clear that the industry is undergoing significant transition, with new Victorian Government safety and regulatory
requirements expected later this year. In light of this, the City will conduct market analysis and revisit procurement options once the new framework is in place.
Beam Mobility’s operations in Bendigo will officially concluded on October 23, 2025, and all e-scooters have been removed from the trial area.
Community consultation held earlier this year helped inform the trial’s outcomes. Feedback is available on the City’s engagement page: E-scooter Trial | Let's Talk Greater Bendigo
The City remains open to exploring innovative and safe micro-mobility options in the future.
Laws and Road Rules
These rules apply to all e-scooter riders irrespective of privately owned or hire-scheme e-scooters. As with all road rules, Victoria Police is enforcing the safe use of e-scooters and will not tolerate irresponsible behaviour on our roads.
- Not allowed to ride on footpaths
- Not permitted to use a hand-held mobile phone while riding
- Not ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not permitted to carry passengers or animals
- Cannot lead an animal, including by tethering the animal to the e-scooter
- Cannot ride in tandem or two abreast
- Not allowed to ride on roads that have a speed limit over 60km/h (Beam restricts this)
- Be aged 16 years and over
- Not exceed 20 km/h
- Ride only on roads that have a speed limit of 60km/h or less and on bike or shared paths
- Always wear a helmet
- Always have proper control and ride responsibly
- Use a warning (e.g., bell, horn, or verbal) to avert danger
- Follow traffic rules
- Give way to pedestrians where appropriate
- Have front and rear lights if riding at night