More than 1,000 e-bikes and e-scooters now for rent on Mississauga streets | insauga

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Electric bicycles and scooters are now available to rent at more than 600 locations across Mississauga as the city embarks on a plan to have people use other viable and widespread modes of transportation.

Mississauga’s first shared micro-mobility program is making as many as 300 electric pedal-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and 900 electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) available starting today for people to use at various places including parks, the downtown core and other neighbourhoods.

City officials said in a news release the e-bikes and e-scooters are available to rent near community centres, libraries, bus stops and park entrances. Users can then park their device at a bike rack or another designated location closest to their destination.

“This program allows users to travel throughout Mississauga using another mode of transportation that’s sustainable, convenient and accessible,” the city said, adding people can use the vehicles to get to school, work or to run errands or for a variety of other purposes.

“We’re committed to building a more interconnected and accessible transportation network that’s safe for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income or mode of travel,” said Geoff Wright, Mississauga’s commissioner of transportation and works. “That’s why having a shared system of e-bikes and e-scooters is important. It offers residents another way to move throughout Mississauga in addition to walking, biking, taking MiWay or driving. It also promotes active and sustainable transportation while contributing to our climate change goals and healthier lifestyles.”

Mississauga joins eight other Ontario municipalities with shared micro-mobility systems including Toronto, Brampton and Ottawa.

Hundreds of e-bikes and e-scooters are now available to rent across Mississauga. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

The plan was first discussed several years ago and then fully supported by city councillors who approved the program last fall.

In October 2019, council supported a recommendation for city staff to look at how a program of shared bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters could be used for travel in Mississauga as part of a Micro-Mobility Program Development Project.

Following extensive analysis and community and stakeholder consultation in June 2022, council approved a recommendation last fall to develop a program that offers e-bikes and e-scooters, city officials said.

The city is partnering with Lime Technology, Inc. and Bird Canada to launch Mississauga’s first shared system of e-bikes and e-scooters. The contract with both companies is for three years.

Both partners will provide e-bikes and e-scooters and the devices will be programmed with:

• no-ride zones on sidewalks and other restricted areas
• slow-ride zones on busy shared trails and areas with high foot traffic
• no-parking zones to ensure trips can only end in areas approved for parking

Additionally, all e-bikes have a bell, front and rear lights, reflectors, a height adjustable seat, a step-through frame, a lock, a front basket and a helmet.

All e-scooters have a bell, front and rear lights, turn signals, a lock and a helmet.

Riders can download Lime Technology, Inc. and Bird Canada’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play and get set up to ride in a matter of minutes, the city said.

The app will also share more information about the cost, designated pick-up and drop-off locations, and how to unlock a device.

E-bikes can be used on multi-use trails, park trails, bike lanes or on any roads, unless otherwise prohibited, officials said. E-scooters can be used on multi-use trails, bike lanes and roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less.

“Remember to obey all road rules, signage, traffic signals and stop signs,” city officials added.

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