E-scooters will make their official debut in the city on July 1st, though residents may already see them deployed around town as early as today.  As part of the two-year pilot program that was approved by the Airdrie City Council on June 6, 2022. The pilot will run through to the end of October 2023.

E-scooter providers operating in Airdrie for this season include the company Bird Canada and Neuron. 

"The best way to locate the e-scooters is via their respective apps (both available in the App Store and Google Play)," wrote Chris MacIsaac Team Leader, Transit.

According to the city, "While the City of Airdrie provides the program framework, the program is fully funded and operated by e-scooter providers."

City Council has approved funding of $5,000 to assist in communication and education initiatives to ensure Airdrie residents were able to access the information they need and learn the rules and safety restrictions in place around using e-scooters/e-bikes.

However, the city is reminding residents when it comes to personal e-scooters, according to the city's website, they may be used only on the pathway network. 

E-scooters will be in Airdrie on July 1st E-scooters will be in Airdrie on July 1st 

"Personal e-scooters are not regulated by the Province (under the Provincial Traffic Safety Act) in terms of speeds or other safety considerations. Therefore, personal e-scooters cannot be operated on City sidewalks or roadways. Personal e-scooters can only be operated on City pathways. Personal e-scooters must follow the same rules and rider etiquette as other modes of micromobility including safety for other micromobility users and pedestrians and acceptable parking practices.

E-scooters on roadways and sidewalks are regulated under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Personal e-scooters are not allowed on roadways or sidewalks without a provincial exemption."

Currently, shared e-scooters are granted a provincial exemption as the speeds and locations of operation are regulated, and each e-scooter provider is required to have insurance to hold a permit, and other requirements. 

E-scooters/e-bikes will be allowed on sidewalks, pathways and City roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 km/h or less. E-scooters/e-bikes will not be permitted at skate parks or outside City limits.

"As a rule, please do not interfere with pedestrians or traffic while riding a shared e-scooter/e-bike."

The city is also urging users of micro-mobility to practice responsible etiquette, including always yielding to people walking on the sidewalks and pathways, and using a bell to alert others when one is approaching to pass on sidewalks and pathways. 

"Shared forms of micro-mobility, including shared e-scooters, are available for users of 16 years of age and older. Helmets are encouraged but not required. The maximum speed limit is 20 km/hr. Only one rider per device is allowed," the city website states. "Park in a secure, upright position in designated areas (where available) such as at benches, public bike racks or other marked parking zones. On sidewalks without benches or bike racks, please ensure there is at least 2 metres or 6 feet of clearance to allow for accessibility of residents using mobility devices such as a wheelchair."

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