Neuron e-scooters back on the streets in Waterloo Region
Orange e-scooters are popping up across Waterloo Region once again.
The Neuron devices returned to dozens of spots across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge on Saturday.
This marks the second year for the e-scooters and e-bikes following their launch in April 2023.
Neuron says its riders have travelled nearly 400,000 kilometers since then.
“Last year was a tremendous success,” said Isaac Ransom, head of corporate affairs for Neuron. “We expect to see people out and about again this year across the three cities in the region.”
The Region of Waterloo says survey results from last year’s trial showed 37 per cent of people using the e-scooters were getting to and from transit stops.
Kevan Marshall with the Region of Waterloo says working with the cities to improve connections with transit will be a major priority this year.
“Our main objective is to make sustainable transportation the easiest choice for more and more residents in Waterloo Region,” Marshall said.
Neuron estimates the e-bikes and e-scooters have had a $8.2 million impact on the local economy based on a survey of users.
The company is hoping that number will grow this year as it has worked with municipalities to create more parking stations.
“The idea is to provide as much parking as possible, as close to as many amenities and businesses as possible, but do not impede the middle of the sidewalk,” Ransom said.
The devices can be accessed and paid for via the Neuron app.
E-scooters and e-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks and all users must wear helmets. It’s also illegal to ride while impaired.
Neuron in Waterloo Region in 2023 by the numbers:
- Riders travelled 385,000 km between April (launch) and October (when e-bikes and scooters were stored for the winter)
- The average trip was 2.1 km and took 14 minutes
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trump fined US$1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as judge warns of possible jail time
A judge has fined former U.S. president Donald Trump $1,000 for contempt, threatening jail time if he violates a gag order again, saying fines aren't working.
The story of how a B.C. man found his birth mother
After his adopted parents died, Dave Rogers set out to learn more about his birth mother. DNA results and a little help from friendly strangers would put him on a path to a small town in England.
When grief and AI collide: These people are communicating with the dead
AI tools can offer recommendations, answer questions and 'talk' with users. But some users are using them to recreate the likeness of the dead.
Spike in 'violent rhetoric' since Oct. 7 attack from 'extremist actors,' CSIS warns
The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in 'violent rhetoric' from 'extremist actors' that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Italy's white-collar mafia is making a business killing
Italy's mafia rarely dirties its hands with blood these days. Extortion rackets have gone out of fashion and murders are largely frowned upon by the godfathers.
WestJet, mechanics union agree to tentative deal to avoid strike
A potential strike between WestJet and its mechanics union appears to have been avoided.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.
Summer forecast: What to expect as El Nino weakens
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.