This week a report came to Urban Planning Committee discussing the e-scooter program (Shared Micromobility Program) that started in 2019 and added e-bikes in 2022. I know many who use these to scoot around for fun or to get from point A to B fast and easily - which is fantastic! I’ve also heard concerns from residents about how e-scooters are sometimes being improperly used or parked.
Use is permitted on shared-use paths, bike lanes, and city streets of 50 km or less, but not on sidewalks. Users are also not supposed to park or leave e-scooters on sidewalks/paths as this blocks access, especially for people with limited mobility - but it’s happening.
My inquiry asked Administration to provide an update to City Council on feedback they’ve received from residents and how the program was responding to both successes and challenges.
What they found was that in 1 year alone there was an increase of 124% more trips taken via e-scooters with people in Edmonton putting over 2 million KMs on them! That’s a huge increase and shows that there is demand and it’s likely going to continue to increase! E-bike usage is also trending upwards.
The City continues to adjust the program to make sure everyone can enjoy getting around the city safely. Here are some updates that are coming for this program:
Parking: Enhanced identifiable parking locations (this will also help users to find units in predictable locations).
Safety: Having designated slow zones to reduce collisions.
Transit Connections:Strategic placement of some parking areas connected to LRT stations, transit centres, and bus stops.
Education:Campaign to educate users and the greater public about the rules, fines, and safe riding habits (eg; $100 fine for riding on sidewalks).
Suppliers:The City provides Licence of Occupation to private suppliers to operate their fleet in Edmonton. Compliance fees are aimed at addressing better fleet management and improper parking. Suppliers will now be entering real-time data which allows the City to see program activity and make adjustments where needed. The supplier fee structure has been adjusted to encourage suppliers to improve the use per unit. Suppliers are also being encouraged to enhance service coverage, such as in areas that are underserved.
Coming up towards the end of May 2024:
E-scooters and e-bikes will again be available for use
Installations for parking locations for e-scooters and e-bikes begins
Announcement of the 2024-2027 e-scooter and e-bike suppliers
For more information on the program and how to safely enjoy e-scooters & e-bikes check out the City’s webpage here.
