EBIKES AND SCOOTERS CONTINUE SEEING SUCCESS IN WR
In the spring of 2023, Neuron Mobility launched a transportation program utilizing orange e-scooters and e-bikes in the Waterloo Region. Residents were given access to these shared modes of environmentally friendly electric vehicles. The program has found success within the region—it offers a quick alternative to driving cars around Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.
Statistics from the spring, summer and fall of 2023 demonstrate positive results, including a total of 46,000 riders; 190,000 trips; 360,000 kilometers ridden; $8.2 million poured into the Waterloo Region economy and 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved, which is the equivalent of 192 mature trees.
The Waterloo Region is in the process of building a sustainable transportation network. These e-scooters and e-bikes are an affordable transportation option that makes sense for all types of inner-city travel, leisure rides and short trips transporting a person from their home to their workplace or school. Riders can use e-scooters or e-bikes to get from their homes to an ION or bus stop. Travelers can access an e-bike or e-scooter at a particular point in the region and then ride it and drop it off at a completely different part of town.
Colleen James, regional councillor for the City of Kitchener, said the idea of introducing Neuron e-scooters and e-bikes into the region made sense for many reasons, including the reduction of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This reduction is a climate goal set by the Region of Waterloo. Using low-carbon transportation is a strategy to reach this goal by 2030.
“The benefit to this program is that it was not going to cost us anything, so there is no cost to taxpayers. This is literally a partnership (between the Region and Neuron Mobility) to promote more active transportation,” James said.
James went on to say that this program allows for more options for travel within our region.
“The Region of Waterloo is Canada’s only multi-jurisdiction shared micromobility program…The success of the program can be attributed to a number of factors including the fantastic work of our municipal partners and the enthusiasm for the service from our riders across the Region,” Isaac Ransom, head of corporate affairs for Neuron Mobility, Canada said.
Neuron Mobility also has e-scooters and e-bikes in 17 cities across Canada, including Ottawa, Brampton, Vaughan, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon and Regina. Since the launch of these programs in 2021, riders of Neuron e-scooters and e-bikes have travelled over nine million kilometres.
To rent and ride an e-scooter or an e-bike, simply download the Neuron Mobility app and follow the instructions. A person must be at least 16 years old to rent the equipment.
The cost is approximately $2,000 per year for active use. From an environmental point of view, this is a reasonable cost compared to the cost of running a car for a year.
James, with many others, sees a bright future with the continuous utilization of e-bikes and e-scooters within the Waterloo Region.
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