Paint it purple: Ousted e-scooter company returns to Brisbane in merger

Banned micromobility company Beam Mobility is returning to Brisbane streets from Monday night, but not as you may expect, as the global e-scooter and e-bike hire company merges with one of its key competitors.

Neuron Mobility announced on Monday it had merged its Australian operations with Beam, and expected to return 700 purple – albeit rebranded and refurbished – e-scooters to Brisbane streets.

“After years of competing head to head, we’re delighted to bring together the strengths of both companies under the Neuron banner,” Neuron Australia and New Zealand general manager Jayden Bryant said.

Purple scooters are returning to Brisbane streets after ousted Beam Mobility merged with Neuron Mobility.Credit: Neuron Mobility

The former Beam vehicles are refitted with Neuron proprietary technology and safety features, sport orange branding and accents, and are bookable through the Neuron app.

Lime was the first company awarded a contract with the council for 400 scooters in 2019, following a successful trial in late 2018.

The green fleet was followed by a 600-strong fleet from Neuron later that same year, but was replaced by Beam in 2021.

Neuron was removed when the council opted to support Lime and Beam scooters in Brisbane, with the council approving at the time a collective 2350 e-scooters and 800 e-bikes across the two companies.

Lime returned to Brisbane in 2024, it will remain alongside Neuron’s now orange-and-purple fleet as one of two suppliers in the city.Credit: Courtney Kruk

The council has previously supported a “competitive process” between the three major companies vying for a spot in Brisbane, but residents have remained divided on both hireable and private e-scooters.

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