With the Okanagan already basking in spring-like weather, Neuron’s e-scooter program has returned for a fourth season in Vernon.
The bright orange scooters started popping up around town Friday, March 8. The company’s e-bikes will be hitting the streets later this spring.
New this season is additional parking mats in busy downtown locations which highlight where riders should end their trips.
Since their arrival in Vernon in July 2021, the e-scooters have become a popular mode of transportation; riders have used them to travel a total of 675,000-plus kilometres, and 40 per cent of all e-scooter trips have replaced a car journey, which Neuron says has saved an estimated 43 tonnes of C02 emissions.
“Vernon is a great city and we are excited to have our e-scooters back on the streets for a new season to provide residents and tourists with a safe, sustainable, and convenient way to travel,” said Ankush Karwal, general manager of Neuron Canada. “Last season, our riders told us that 70 per cent of all trips resulted in a purchase, and with the average spend of $30 at a local business, we estimate the program is injecting $4.5 million into the local economy.”
Peter Kaz, marketing manager with the Downtown Vernon Association, said it’s exciting to have the e-scooters back in the downtown.
“The program brings a great dynamic to our downtown and helps make our streets less congested, shrinking our impact on the environment and making Vernon more vibrant and healthy,” Kaz said.
Neuron is encouraging new and existing riders to get familiar with the program’s rules by visiting its online ScootSafe Academy, which is designed to increase the safety of riders and those sharing the road with them. The company also reminds people to wear a helmet, as it’s mandatory to do so.
This year, the service area has been adjusted to include more preferred parking areas, which is expected to improve parking compliance. In-app guidance and education will also be ongoing.
Riders, who must be at least 16 years old, can book and use the e-scooters through Neuron’s app. Single trips cost $1.15 to unlock the e-scooter and $0.45 per minute thereafter. More frequent users also have the option to purchase Neuron Passes, a subscription service available in three-day ($25), weekly ($39.99), or monthly ($99.99) options.
E-scooters can be used on bike lanes, multi-use pathways, empty sidewalks and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/hr or lower. Only one rider per scooter is allowed. Riders are also advised to keep a safe distance from pedestrians and mobility devices like wheelchairs and avoid riding under the influence of alcohol and other substances, or with earphones in.
“Safety is Neuron’s top priority and its e-scooters are fitted with the world’s first integrated helmets, which are mandatory for use when riding an e-scooter in Vernon,” Neuron said.
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