The Town of Okotoks' e-scooter pilot launches next week, and there are definitely a few questions and concerns that are sure to arise when any such program is introduced in a town or city.

Pricing is a major one, considering the vehicles are rented and intended to be affordable and efficient.

Transportation Specialist David Gardner says he was recently provided with a figure by Bird Canada.

"The pricing that they've indicated to me is that you'd pay $1.15 to unlock the vehicle, and then it's 35 cents per minute thereafter. Depending on how far you go, you'd pay according to that. For a short trip, you could be paying somewhere between three and five dollars, potentially."

Each scooter will have a visible identification number that can be used to report individuals who may be using them in an irresponsible manner.

They're also capped at 20km/hr, and Gardner says they have the option to limit their top speeds even further in certain areas through geofencing if necessary.

As far as availability, Gardner says the intent is for the scooters to be accessible 24/7, though the arrival of serious inclement weather could see them temporarily removed.

They'd be available within the geofenced boundary, with scooters to be left on sidewalks in the "furniture zone;" close to the curb where streetlights and benches are typically found.

The service area is currently defined, according to the town, as between Milligan and Cimarron Drive, and between Northridge and Crystal Ridge Drive, though the area could be expanded.

If the vehicles are taken outside the boundary, the scooter will indicate a warning, and will eventually slow down and stop. If the vehicle isn't returned to the service area, the driver will continue to be charged.

Gardner says they didn't heavily rely on similar pilot projects in other municipalities when modelling this one, providing the example of their relative success in Ottowa compared to Toronto having recently opted out of theirs.

When it comes to Okotoks, he says the town will be doing a lot of watching and learning.

"We've tried to keep a very open mind. Because it's such divisive technology, there are opinions that are very much in favour of it and very much against it, depending on the individual situation. The approach that we've taken is ensuring the vehicle are legally allowed on the road, ensuring our bylaws can safely and manageably enforce them, if necessary, and then thereafter we've tried to be as flexible as we can possibly be."

Even with safety measures in place, Gardner says the success of the program is also contingent on participation from residents.

"I think the most important thing is that people are safe and respectful in their use as much as they would be if they were walking on a path or riding their bicycle on a path, and to maintain common decency which I think in Okotoks, residents are really good at anyway. We strongly recommend users wear helmets and just give courteous respect to those around them. I think that will be the most important thing for this to be a success."

 

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