Beam Mobility, a personal mobility (PM) shared service corporation, unveiled its infographic titled "2024 Beam Personal Mobility Trends" on the 23rd, based on user patterns of electric scooters.
According to Beam Mobility data, electric scooters are particularly establishing themselves as a commuting transport option. In a 2024 survey, 45.7% of Beam Mobility users reported using electric scooters three or more times a week. The usage rate during peak commuting hours (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) was 67% higher than the average for the day. About 25% of daily usage was concentrated during commuting hours (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Beam Mobility noted that it has contributed to solving urban parking problems by introducing the PM virtual designated parking system, a first in the industry this year. Utilizing GPS technology to guide parking in designated areas, the system showed results in the Seongsu area of Seoul, raising the parking compliance rate from an initial 30-40% to 77-91% after November. In Daegu, the company recorded an 85% parking compliance rate, contributing to a reduction in illegal parking, resolution of complaints, and improved efficiency of urban spaces.
Additionally, Beam Mobility collaborated with the Traffic Mobility Research Lab at Chungbuk National University to analyze the effectiveness of the electric scooter speed limit policy, concluding that a tailored policy design suitable for local road environments is necessary. Beam Mobility is leading the charge for policy improvements that consider both the efficiency and safety of PM while contributing to policy design and safety enhancement based on GPS data.
Beam Mobility's franchise business model is also gaining attention. By the end of 2024, the number of electric scooters in franchise areas nationwide increased by 536% compared to the previous year-end, establishing a model for coexistence with the local economy, according to the company. By providing traffic environment analysis and operational know-how to franchisees, it supports solutions tailored to local characteristics, improves local residents' mobility, and creates new jobs.
Furthermore, Beam Mobility has opened new possibilities for PM through tourism and corporate welfare programs. The "DMZ Peace Accompanying WITH Scooter" program, which explores the DMZ, offered a unique historical and cultural experience using electric scooters, while the "Beam for Business" program, which involved multiple corporations, provided electric scooters to employees.
Beam Mobility stated, "We operate various educational programs to promote a culture of safety," adding that, "We regularly conduct the 'Beam Safe Riding Academy' in collaboration with Songpa District, Incheon City Hall, and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, educating on proper riding and parking methods."