Beam has launched its fifth-generation e-scooter — the Saturn 5 — in Wellington, New Zealand.
This model was unveiled in October 2022 and is now being rolled out to the public for the first time.
It can travel up to 120 kilometres on a single charge, which is currently the longest capacity of any vehicle in the shared micromobility market.
The Saturn 5 features an upgraded IoT, which uses geospatial information collected from the vehicle’s own systems along with that from satellites.
Beam claims this provides it with ‘centimetre-perfect position accuracy’ that ensures riders remain inside local council and government-approved vehicle zones.
Beam’s e-scooters are also the first in New Zealand to add wireless phone charging capabilities for longer journeys.
In addition, the Saturn 5 offers clear audio messaging for reminders and riding zone changes, so riders can listen to instructions without taking their eyes off their journey.
Alike to the manufacturer’s previous generation of e-scooters, the Saturn 5 also features a phone holder for rider convenience. On this latest model, it has been repositioned to the centre of the vehicle to provide the rider with easier access to safety features on the handlebars.
Beam’s ANZ General Manager Tom Cooper said:Ahead of the e-bike trials scheduled to begin soon, we see this as a great time to introduce an upgrade to the e-scooters Wellington residents get to use.
The Saturn 5 e-scooter was developed particularly for mature e-scooter markets, catering for longer commuting journeys with features like wireless phone charging and auditory alerts, as well as improved geo-fencing capabilities to ensure safe operation of micromobility alongside other modes of transport.
To combat the potential unevenness of roads and pavements, the Saturn 5 features larger front and back wheels that aim to give riders an increased sense of confidence.
The model also has noticeably smaller handlebars, designed for better grip and quicker access to the safety features, such as the brake levers, indicators and bell.
The Saturn 5 will be joined by Beam’s Apollo e-bike when the trials begin in Wellington from early February.
