Where are the e-scooters? Leduc launches, while Edmonton still sorting out paperwork
Bird e-scooters took flight just south of the capital city Friday morning as Edmonton worked to finalize which fleets will be approved to hit the streets later this month.
Rental scooters in Leduc will be capped at 15 kilometres per hour and must be returned to specific, GPS-designated parking areas. That was decided after clutter complaints, and some injuries, in other cities.
"Hey, the meter ticks until you get your scooter back in an appropriate parking spot," said Leduc City Councillor Glen Finstad.
"We are very excited to join the city, another market in Alberta," said Chadi Abou Hachem with Bird Canada. But when asked about the big city: "Uh…can’t talk much about it."
Bird's rollout in Edmonton is uncertain this season, as the city works through its procurement process with fewer approved vendors and scooters allowed on the streets.
Two companies will be chosen and the number of licences will be capped at 1,500. Last year there were three vendors, Bird, Lime and Spin, with a total of 4,000 scooters initially approved.
"I’m not really sure what problem restricting fleet size is trying to solve," said Coun. Andrew Knack on Friday.
He thinks Edmonton is meddling too much and points to cities like Leduc that are addressing parking and sidewalk-safety issues with existing technology.
"In my ideal world, we’re fixing those two core problems, and then letting the market decide everything else," Knack explained.
If you're looking for a scooter this weekend, local company YEG SCOOT is the only game in town. Their business falls under a different category, because they have to be picked up at, and returned to, one location.
"I mean, obviously, being the only scooter in town right now is great, but our focus is for sure going to be guided tours," explained Hidar Elmais.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.