Renewal and expansion approved for region’s electric bike and scooter program

A renewal and expansion have officially been approved for Waterloo Region’s ongoing electric bike scooter initiative, bringing new life to a program that was set to end later this year.

The Region of Waterloo and the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge, and Waterloo have added 5 more years to the popular program, now set to expire in November of 2029. The agreement was made with Neuron Mobility, which kicked off the program in 2023.

“Neuron’s continued success and expansion throughout the region is welcome,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “Providing more affordable, accessible options for residents to move around our community makes sustainable transportation more inclusive, and reinforces our commitment to a greener, more connected community for all.”

The renewal has also been put side-by-side with a new expansion, adding upright and handcycle tricycles to the list in order to bring further options to people living with disabilities throughout the region. The additions make it one of the first of its kind by a private shared micromobility operator in Canada.

“We’re happy to see this continued partnership with Neuron expanded to include more travel options for residents, including new accessible vehicle options for those living with a disability,” said Director of Engineering and Transportation with the City of Cambridge, Leah Walter. “This initiative promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and helps to create a more accessible community for all.

Last year, in only the program’s second year of operation, close to 173,700 rides were taken, totalling over 288,000 kilometres travelled and resulting in upwards of 9.9 tonnes in carbon dioxide savings.

Since the program began, up to 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions have been saved.

“Providing Waterloo Region residents with additional, sustainable travel options is another step towards achieving our climate action goals,” said Regional Chair with the Region of Waterloo, Karen Redman. “It’s a pleasure to see the vehicle options increase in diversity to ensure that the ridership and network of this shared program continue to grow.”

The full details for the approved renewal and expansion can be found on the Region of Waterloo website.