Getting around Penticton could soon be easier and greener. On January 20, Council will review plans for a shared e-scooter and e-bike program and consider its community rollout. If endorsed, the service would launch on April 1, giving residents and visitors a new way to travel short distances without relying on a car.
“This initiative is about giving people more choices for how they move around the city,” said Kristen Dixon, general manager of Infrastructure. “Shared micro mobility supports our climate goals, improves connectivity to transit, and makes it easier for residents to choose active, sustainable transportation.”
In February 2024, Council opted to take part in the Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project and issue a competitive call for proposals. The City has selected Bird Canada as the successful proponent, which would include an initial rollout of 100 devices – 75 e-scooters and 25 e-bikes – with the potential to expand based on demand. The company will also pilot cargo e-bikes and trailers to support families and local businesses. The program will run for a period of two years, starting April 1, 2026, in alignment with the Provinces pilot program timeline.
Safety and accessibility are key priorities.
The devices will have speed limits, lights, bells and helmets, and will automatically slow down in busy areas.
Riders will park in designated “nests,” ensuring scooters and bikes are organized and do not block sidewalks or public spaces.
Bird will actively manage the fleet to keep walkways clear and respond quickly to any issues.
Enforcement of Provincial safety rules will be supported by the RCMP, while the City will oversee compliance through its service agreement and bylaws.
Community feedback will help identify parking locations and slow zones, to ensure the program works well for everyone.
There is no cost to the City for the program, and the City anticipates receiving a small amount of revenue annually which will be reinvested into infrastructure improvements, equity programs and education campaigns.
The program also supports Council’s priorities of creating a safe, livable and accessible community. Transportation is the largest source of emissions in Penticton, and shifting even a small number of trips to electric scooters and bikes can make a big difference. Similar programs in other B.C. cities show that more than half of micro mobility trips replace car journeys, helping cut emissions and improve air quality.
For more information, and to read the Council Report, visit penticton.ca. Tuesday’s council Meeting will begin at 1 p.m. at City Hall.
Further information about the program, if endorsed, will be posted to the City’s Active Transportation webpage at penticton.ca/active.