Beam Mobility released the “2023 Beam Summary Report,” based on actual data regarding the usage and number of users of electric scooters in South Korea. According to Beam Mobility’s data, the domestic e-scooter usage significantly increased by 67% last year, showcasing a clear growth trend.
As the utility of e-scooters has been validated, the number of users employing them as a fixed transportation means has expanded, attracting new customers. This led to an approximate 67% increase in Beam’s e-scooter usage compared to 2022. Considering that the annual growth rate in 2022 was only 6.8% compared to the previous year, last year’s annual growth rate showcases nearly a tenfold increase.
Not only did the user base expand, but the total annual distance traveled in 2023 also increased by 60% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, based on requests from local governments, the service area was expanded to 45 cities nationwide. With the growth in user numbers, usage volume, and service areas, it can be analyzed that Beam Mobility achieved both quantitative and qualitative growth in the global and domestic markets last year.
Even during nighttime when public transportation operates minimally, Beam Mobility’s e-scooters have been effectively utilized as alternative transportation. Internal data show that there were over 5.5 million rides taken at night throughout 2023. This indicates that Beam Mobility is crucially supporting users’ convenient mobility even during hours when public transportation is less accessible, providing an economical and efficient means of last-mile transportation.
Additionally, they have significantly contributed as a representative commuting option leading the culture of ‘carbon-neutral eco-transportation.’ The primary usage time for Beam Mobility users has been noted during morning commuting hours and in the evening. There is a growing trend towards using e-scooters to conveniently navigate congested commuting hours, alongside an increasing demand for e-scooters being recognized as a representative means of carbon-neutral eco-transport.
A Beam Mobility representative stated, “Shared scooters and personal mobility devices already play a crucial role in the urban transport system. They are especially becoming a valuable alternative to complement the limitations of public transportation during commuting and nighttime,” adding, “Moving forward, Beam Mobility will continue to strive for improved convenience and safety awareness, ensuring harmony with urban settings as a first-last mile transportation solution.”
Lee Sang-jin, daedusj@autodiary.kr