1.3.1Launch micro mobility systems (bike, e-bike and e-scooter-sharing systems) in Waterloo Region communities

People must have access to the tools and resources they need to reach all parts of our communities easily and conveniently without a personal vehicle.

This action will be led by the Region of Waterloo and the Area Municipalities. Please see below for the most recent publicly available updates.

April 14, 2023 - Neuron Mobility was selected as the provider and launched 500 e-scooters and e-bikes across the region. The service area will continue to expand. Read more on the Region of Waterloo website.

Riders can download Neuron’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play and get set up to ride in a matter of minutes. The app can also be used to locate available vehicles. For more information on the program, visit www.rideneuron.com/canada. For rules for riding and how-to-ride information, visit scootsafe.com and select Waterloo Region.

THE REGION OF WATERLOO

The Region of Waterloo launched the micro-mobility program in April 2023 in the downtown cores of City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, and City of Waterloo. In its first year, the program will include up to 500 e-bikes and 500 e-scooters for community members to rent until the end of October. Click here to learn more.

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The City of Cambridge is allowing electric scooters to be used on more city streets, and council approved (2022) a change to the Traffic and Parking By-law to allow e-scooters on roads with speed limits of 50km or less, roads with reserved cycling lanes and multiuse trails. The City is collaborating with the Region of Waterloo, and Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo to align respective Traffic and Parking By-laws in relation to e-scooter permissions and to procure a shared micromobility system. The collaborative partners entered into a joint Licence Agreement with Neuron Mobility in 2023 to launch a shared micromobility program that includes e-bikes and e-scooters. The program operations began in mid-April and ended in late October. At peak times throughout the season there were up to 500 e-scooters and 70 e-bikes available across the three cities with a total of 183,021 trips taken and 387,419 km travelled. Based on Neuron’s program analysis, 37% of all trips started/ended at transit stops and stations, which is higher than the industry average. Staff have renewed the agreement with Neuron for the 2024 season. Based on program data and feedback received, the Project Team priorities for 2024 include working with post-secondary partners and Neuron on outreach and education, planning for service area expansion opportunities in alignment with the 2020 Micromobility Feasibility Study, and working with Neuron to improve geofences and parking compliance.

CITY OF WATERLOO

The City of Waterloo, in partnership with the University of Waterloo, launched an e-scooter sharing pilot program in 2018.

The City of Waterloo addresses action 1.3.1 through items included in the City's Transportation Master Plan Update 2020:

• Developing a Shared Mobility Strategy for the city in collaboration with the Region, local stakeholders, and potential partners. The strategy should consider the merit of introducing/piloting of an Eco mobility Hub, as well as assess the potential for a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) system
• Facilitating and promoting a shared micro mobility within the City through the introduction or modification of by-laws, policies, and guidelines pertaining to the allocation of public rights-of-ways, development and zoning regulations, insurance and for-hire vehicle regulations, and taxation and fees
• Continuing to pursue and implement policies and projects based on the 20-Minute City concept
• Developing a Curb Space Management Strategy for the City in collaboration with the Region, local stakeholders, and potential partners

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

The Township of Woolwich identifies that launching a micro mobility system is a future consideration for larger settlements (Breslau, Elmira, St. Jacobs).

SUSTAINABLE WATERLOO REGION

TravelWise is collaborating with Neuron to introduce their service to members. Also collaborating with TravelWise member organizations to discuss e-bike and e-scooter parking with Neuron.