Comparison

Beam vs Flex BUSIT

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Beam

This app provides access to electric scooters for urban transportation, offering a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way to travel. It allows users to easily find, unlock, and ride scooters for commuting, exploring, or leisure.

Highlights
  • Electric scooter sharing
  • Find and unlock scooters
  • Affordable urban transport
  • Eco-friendly travel
  • Fun and convenient
  • Location-based services
Features
Read full description

“Wherever you’re headed - Beam there.” At Beam, we want to help cities flow better for everyone. We’re reimagining urban transport - replacing car trips with something cleaner, smarter, and way more fun. As one of the leading micro mobility platforms across Asia Pacific and beyond, Beam is already helping people in 80+ cities in 7 countries move more freely. Riding a Beam is affordable, convenient and much better for the environment. Oh, and did we mention it’s really fun? - whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just cruising with friends. No deposit. No traffic. No stress. Just tap, ride, and feel the flow. Why Beam? - Trusted by millions across the globe - Fast, flexible, and affordable - Better for the environment - And yes - it’s seriously fun How it works: 1. Download the app 2. Create your account 3. Find and unlock a Beam nearby 4. Check your local road rules 5. Enjoy the ride Wherever you’re going - Beam there Let’s help cities flow better. Together [Required Permissions] - Location: Location permission to find and use nearby Beam vehicles and provide parking location guidance - Camera: Camera permission to scan Beam device QR codes and take parking photos - Bluetooth: Bluetooth permission to rent and return Beam devices and related accessories (helmets) - Service notifications: To send you important service-related messages (updates to T&Cs, payment issues etc) [Optional Permissions] - Marketing Notifications: Permission to receive promotional messages *Optional permissions are only needed when using the relevant features. Other services can still be used even if these permissions are not granted.

About

Flex BUSIT

On-demand transportation services are available in the Waikato region using smaller, accessible vehicles. This service offers an affordable, convenient, and safe travel option as part of the BUSIT network.

Highlights
  • On-demand rides
  • Accessible vehicles
  • Affordable fares
  • Convenient travel
  • Safe transport option
Features
Read full description

Flex is BUSIT on demand within the Waikato region. With smaller, accessible vehicles, Flex is there when you need it. Flex provides an affordable, convenient, and safe transport option. For more information, call 0800 205 305, or visit busit.co.nz/flex Flex is part of Waikato Regional Council's BUSIT network.

Screenshots

Beam4 screens
Flex BUSIT4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Beam at 54% against Flex BUSIT's 25%. Beam also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Beam ships an update every 3 weeks, Flex BUSIT every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Beam versus Flex BUSIT: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBeamFlex BUSIT
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (6.5K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews53.9% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6.5K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size276 MB135 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAPAC ESCOOTERS PTE. LTD.Via Transportation, Inc.

Customer experience

Beam

All ratings6,452 ratings
Positive96.2%
Neutral1.0%
Negative2.8%
Written reviews966 reviews
Positive53.9%
Neutral4.2%
Negative41.8%

Flex BUSIT

Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and requests

Beam

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Inability to end rides properly
  • Incorrect location detection
  • Billing and payment problems
  • App login and account issues

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved navigation and mapping
  • More affordable pricing options
  • Expanded service areas and coverage
  • Better maintenance and reliability of scooters

Flex BUSIT

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Beam

No in-app purchases

None

Flex BUSIT

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Beam free?
Beam is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Flex BUSIT free?
Flex BUSIT is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Beam or Flex BUSIT have ads?
Neither Beam nor Flex BUSIT shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Beam or Flex BUSIT?
Beam ships an update every 3 weeks, and Flex BUSIT every 3 months. Most recently, Beam was updated on October 22, 2026 and Flex BUSIT on October 10, 2026.

Other comparisons