Electric scooters roll out in Ottawa
E-scooters have hit the streets of Ottawa for a pilot program. The devices are back in the Nation’s Capital for a third year, with some changes to the program.
Two providers, Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility, will be providing the scooters this year.
“It’s sustainable, it’s zero emissions, and you’re helping to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Isaac Ransom, of Neuron Mobility, one of the scooter providers.
Neuron scooters laucnhed in select areas of Ottawa Wednesday. The city of Ottawa says Bird scooters will be phased in next week.
The e-scooter program, now in its third year, includes new restrictions on riders and the companies operating the electric scooters, as well as changes to the scooters themselves.
E-scooters will be required to emit a continuous sound while in operation so people can hear them approach, and apps must only allow riders to end their rides in a designated parking area. The scooters are also not allowed on sidewalks and must only ride on streets under 50 km/h. The city says new technologies and penalties have been implemented to deter sidewalk riding and improperly parked e-scooters.
“If an e-scooter is improperly parked, the rider will continue to be charged a fee until it is properly parked or retrieved by the provider. Providers have also implemented fines and will remove users from their app who disregard the local rules, including sidewalk riding and improper parking,” the city says.
“You will be able to see in your app where you can park in the city,” said Ransom. “You will have to park in a designated parking area and what will happen is when you want to end your ride, you return it to a designated parking area.”
Scooters being abandoned around Ottawa was one of the issues raised during public consultations following last year's season. Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury says the city will work with the scooter companies to ensure the rules are followed.
“If you see a unit abandoned in a spot that’s not appropriate, call 311,” said Fluery. “The company will have 15 minutes to move the unit and if not, the city will tow it. There is a fine to that.”
The launch of this year’s e-scooters was delayed because of the changes.
There will also be 300 fewer scooters compared to last year, with a fleet size of 900.
The 2022 season is approved to operate until November 15, 2022, weather permitting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.