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
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.