E-bikes, e-scooters prove popular after one month of use in Region

Just under a month after they were launched in the Region, Neuron Mobility held a launch event for their e-bikes, and e-scooters on Friday.

At Carl Zehr Square and later at Waterloo Town Square local politicians and other members of the community got the chance to test out the scooters and bikes.

According to Neuron, bike and scooter users have travelled over 50,000 kilometres in the Region since their launch.

“We’re seeing just overwhelming positivity from riders here in the city, and embracing the technology,” said Neuron’s head of Corporate Affairs, Isaac Ransom. “And, enjoying their rides, to travel in a safe, convenient, and fun way.”

It costs $1.15 to unlock a bike for single use and an additional 40 cents per minute. Passes for three days, a week, or a month can be purchased as well.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said there are already discussions on expanding the program.

“Our staff are already working with our partners at Neuron to discuss expanding the program in Kitchener including opening more parking options which will increase the convenience and usefulness of the system,” said Vrbanovic.

The safety of the bikes and scooters is one of their key features as other communities have removed scooters after some collisions.

“They talk to you, they tell you where you’re going on your trip which is really cool,” said Ransom. “In addition to that, there’s precision geo fencing. The scooters are all parked neatly around the city. That’s because of the geo-fencing that is very precise that we use. It also keeps e-scooters off the sidewalks and controls where they go and speeds.”

Neuron is also touting the economic impact of the program. They report that seven in ten trips result in a purchase at a local business and each e-scooter provides over $11,000 to the economy.

A ‘ScootSafe’ event will also take place in Cambridge on Saturday morning. It begins at 9:30 a.m. at Cambridge Market.

Councillors and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic try out the e-bikes and e-scooters. Neuron says 50,000 km has already been travelled by riders in the region. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/suVUg191u8

— Jonathan Strom (@jonathan_strom) May 12, 2023