Dr. Marcus Webb
Mississauga, a city in Ontario, Canada, is set to introduce its very first shared system of e-bikes and e-scooters this summer. The city has partnered with Lime Micromobility and Bird Canada to provide 300 electric pedal-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and 900 electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) for public use. This initiative aims to address the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation options while reducing vehicle congestion and emissions.
Geoff Wright, Mississauga’s transportation and works commissioner, expressed the city’s excitement about the micro-mobility program. The fleet is expected to arrive in June, and there are already 400 suitable locations identified for docking stations.
E-bikes and e-scooters have been gaining popularity across Canada, and many cities have implemented pay-as-you-go bike share programs. Toronto, for example, launched its bike share program in 2011 and has since expanded to 9,000 bicycles and over 700 stations. However, compared to their European or Chinese counterparts, these systems are still not widely used in North American cities.
Despite Mississauga’s traditionally low-density developments, Murtaza Haider, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, believes that piloting micro-mobility programs is a valuable experiment. Haider suggests that while the city may not be a conventional candidate for bike shares, it could be embraced by university students and shoppers as an alternative to cars.
However, there are concerns regarding the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters. In the Netherlands, an increase in bicyclist deaths has been observed since the adoption of e-bikes. Additionally, disability advocates in Toronto have raised concerns about e-scooters on city sidewalks, posing risks to disabled and senior residents.
To address these concerns, Mississauga’s partners have implemented GPS-technology on their micro-mobility devices. This technology allows for speed reduction and restricted usage in certain areas. The vendors have the capability to implement geo-fencing, similar to anti-theft devices on grocery carts, to ensure compliance.
While Mississauga acknowledges the potential of e-bikes and e-scooters as an alternate mode of transportation, they will not be allowed on public transit. Safety measures are being developed to ensure the safe usage of these devices, such as inspections and certifications for e-bikes on public transportation.
Mississauga’s introduction of a shared e-bike and e-scooter program represents the city’s changing landscape and the need for innovative solutions to move people efficiently. This pilot program will provide valuable insights and pave the way for sustainable transportation options in the future.
Mississauga’s introduction of a shared e-bike and e-scooter program reflects the growing demand for micro-mobility options in Canada. The micro-mobility industry has been gaining traction in recent years as more people seek eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
Market forecasts indicate that the demand for e-bikes and e-scooters is expected to continue rising. According to a report by Navigant Research, the global market for e-scooters is projected to reach $20.8 billion by 2025. Furthermore, the e-bike market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to Grand View Research.
One of the main issues related to the industry is the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters. As mentioned in the article, there have been concerns about the increase in bicyclist deaths in the Netherlands since the adoption of e-bikes. Additionally, disability advocates in Toronto have raised concerns about the risks e-scooters pose to disabled and senior residents on sidewalks.
To address these concerns, Mississauga’s partners, Lime Micromobility and Bird Canada, have implemented GPS-technology on their micro-mobility devices. This technology allows for speed reduction and restricted usage in certain areas. Geo-fencing can also be implemented to ensure compliance, similar to anti-theft devices on grocery carts.
Another challenge for the industry is the need to integrate e-bikes and e-scooters into existing transportation infrastructure. While micro-mobility devices can provide an alternative to cars for short trips, they are not currently allowed on public transit in Mississauga. Safety measures, such as inspections and certifications, are being developed to ensure the safe usage of e-bikes on public transportation.
Overall, the introduction of a shared e-bike and e-scooter program in Mississauga represents the city’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to address transportation challenges. This pilot program will provide valuable insights into the demand, safety considerations, and potential impact of micro-mobility options in the city. As the industry continues to grow, it is important to address safety concerns and integrate micro-mobility options into existing transportation systems to provide sustainable and efficient transportation for residents.
For more information about the global e-bike and e-scooter market forecasts, you can visit E-bike Market and Shared E-scooters Market.
