Two providers have been selected to continue with Calgary’s escooter program.
After a 16-month pilot project – that was interrupted somewhat by the pandemic – Calgary city councillors approved the program on a long-term basis.
At that time, the city would select two operators through a competitive process. Each would be allowed 750 scooters launched on May 28. The two operators chosen were Bird and Neuron Mobility.
“Calgarians love e-scooters—we were the first Canadian city to record one million rides and we continue to see demand for this type of micromobility,” said Woolley.
“As businesses begin to open up and Calgarians continue to look for ways to safely enjoy the outdoors, e-scooters will be a big part of that. Bird and Neuron are enabling this massively successful program to continue, while at the same time creating jobs in our city.”
Bird has operated in Calgary before and they’ve chosen the city as their Canadian operational headquarters. Neuron is a company from Australia and New Zealand. They have bright orange scooters.
Lime, who had operated in Calgary prior, does not appear as a selected company.
New rules will be in effect
This year, scooters will all come with an identifiable number on each scooter to track rider behaviour.
Also, the city was set to allow the use of scooters on some city roads – those with a lower classification (no road markings).
Last year, fines for some offences were increased and speed zones were included.
