E-bikes and e-scooters are now ready to ride in Edmonton
Posted June 3, 2022 5:00 pm.
Last Updated June 4, 2022 8:57 am.
E-scooters and e-bikes will be available in Edmonton once more, just in time for the summer. The city announced there will be 1,500 e-scooters and 400 e-bikes available for Edmontonians to use — as soon as this weekend!
On Friday the city announced partnering with Bird and Lime to bring e-scooter ride-sharing services back and introducing e-bikes for the first time.
“Active transportation, like e-scooters and e-bikes, helps reduce vehicle trips and traffic congestion, it shrinks our impact on the environment, and it supports a healthier and more vibrant city for everyone,” said Jessica Lamarre, director of Safe Mobility and Traffic Operations at the announcement Friday.
Like previous summers, e-scooters and e-bikes can be used on shared pathways, bike lanes and streets with a 50 km/h speed limit or lower – they are not allowed on sidewalks. Safety-wise, riders under 18 are not allowed to use the city’s electric vehicles, but the city seemed unsure of helmet laws.
“It is not mandatory for riders over 18 to wear a helmet; however, highly encouraged,” said Lamarre.
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But according to Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation, riders of power bicycles must wear either a motorcycle or bicycle helmet when riding. There is no law yet about wearing helmets on e-scooters.
“There may have been a short delay in starting the program, but it will be going until December 2023 – we’re going to see a solid season’s use out of these tires,” said Michael Janz, councillor of Ward Papastew in Edmonton.
With more electric vehicles out to play this summer, will clutter be an issue, making streets less accessible for those in wheelchairs, or those pushing strollers?
“As someone who lives in the area and represents the area, I did have a number of concerns about excess clutter – I think we’re trying to figure out a [fleet] sizing that works for riders, that works for the company and works for the communities,” said Janz.
The city says there are eight designated parking spots where Edmontonians can find e-bikes and e-scooters — so what are you waiting for? Ride away!
