Key takeaways:
- Two successful bidders for licenses will be decided this month.
- The City of Edmonton will shortly select two firms to provide rental e-scooters for the following 20 months.
Gayle Martin has seen her fair share of e-scooter infringements on the sidewalk, doubling up and riding while impaired.
The owner of The Wish List Gifts in Old Strathcona has even been struck while stepping out of her store.
“I was expecting that this year would have been the last year for them,” Martin stated, noting that cities like Montreal have decided to restrict their use.
But despite a late beginning this year, e-scooters will again be back to Edmonton roads — with some modifications.
Read more: Why Edmonton is picked by U.S. chains making their Canadian debut
“Per year, we continue to learn and grow the program to best help active travel opportunities while keeping safe lanes and sidewalks for all Edmontonians,” said Jessica Lamarre, director of safe mobility and gridlock operations, stated in an emailed remark.
The city has introduced a competitive procurement procedure.
Yet, sellers would be granted a license if they could meet operating standards. Three firms — Bird, Lime, and Spin — were used in prior years.
This year, the city will consider and score bidders on different criteria, including solving dangerous road use and parking problems.
Source – cbc.ca
