Prof. Samantha Clarke
Edmonton residents can brace themselves for the return of electric scooters and e-bikes to the city streets as Lime and Bird Canada have signed three-year agreements with the city. Beginning on Wednesday, May 29, these micromobility vehicles will be available for use, marking the sixth year of the program in Edmonton.
Under the new agreements, Lime and Bird will be allowed to operate year-round, as long as the weather permits. This flexibility is made possible with the introduction of a new vendor fee structure that addresses concerns related to fleet management, improper parking, and street clutter. Unlike previous years, where there were limitations on the number of vehicles deployed, this year’s contract aims to spread them out across the city instead of concentrating them in the downtown core.
Edmonton has seen a growing demand for shared micromobility options, with the e-bike and e-scooter program experiencing significant success over the past two years. In 2023 alone, users took over 1.06 million rides on shared e-scooters and e-bikes, more than double the number from the previous year.
Lime, a global operator in over 280 cities worldwide, considers Edmonton as one of its top markets. In 2023, Lime recorded a ridership record of 920,000 trips in the city, a remarkable 195% increase compared to 2022.
As the demand for electric scooters and e-bikes continues to grow, the city of Edmonton is encouraging vendors to expand their operating areas and provide incentives for riders to pick up and drop off vehicles in a broader range of locations. Real-time data tracking will also be implemented to allow officials to monitor vehicle distribution and address any concentration issues.
The new agreements with Lime and Bird signal a positive step forward for sustainable transportation options in Edmonton. With the city’s commitment to improving micromobility programs and the continued support from vendors, residents can look forward to more accessible and eco-friendly transportation choices for years to come.
The electric scooter and e-bike industry in Edmonton is set for continued growth and expansion with the signing of three-year agreements between the city and micromobility companies Lime and Bird Canada. These agreements allow Lime and Bird to operate year-round, weather permitting, under a new vendor fee structure that addresses management concerns.
One key change in the new agreements is the dispersal of vehicles across the city, rather than concentrating them in the downtown core. By spreading out the vehicles, the aim is to make them more accessible to residents throughout Edmonton. This change comes in response to the growing demand for shared micromobility options in the city.
In 2023 alone, the e-bike and e-scooter program in Edmonton saw a significant increase in usage, with users taking over 1.06 million rides, more than double the previous year. Lime, a global operator in over 280 cities, has identified Edmonton as one of its top markets. In 2023, Lime reported a record-breaking 920,000 trips in the city, marking a 195% increase compared to 2022.
To support the continued growth of the industry, the city encourages vendors to expand their operating areas and incentivize riders to pick up and drop off vehicles in a wider range of locations. Real-time data tracking will be implemented to monitor vehicle distribution and address any concentration issues that may arise.
The agreements with Lime and Bird are a positive step forward for sustainable transportation options in Edmonton. With the city’s commitment to improving micromobility programs and the support from vendors, residents can expect more accessible and eco-friendly transportation choices in the years to come.
For more information on Lime’s global presence and services, visit the Lime website. To learn more about Bird Canada’s operations and offerings, visit the Bird Canada website.
