E-scooters an early, resounding success in Lethbridge
It’s only been a few days since Neuron Mobility introduced e-scooters and e-bikes to Lethbridge, but they’ve already been a big success.
E-scooters have often been seen as a great way to get around, and it’s no different in Lethbridge.
With the service spanning 47 kilometres across south and west Lethbridge, many people are already seeing the potential for growth.
“People are able to catch their scooter from wherever in town. Bring it on downtown, it’s very easy to do your shopping, leave it outside a store for 10 minutes, get back on it and continue on your way,” said downtown Lethbridge community director Sarah Amies.
“I think we’re going to find Neuron gains a great deal of traction.”
Downtown business owners are already seeing positive results from the scooters. In a car, you have to find parking and pay for it, which can be a hassle.
But e-scooters offer a convenient alternative to shoppers, allowing them to zip around and enter any store they like on a whim.
“We’ve definitely seen them up and down the sidewalks for sure. We’ve had a few people use them and come in,” said Analog Books owner Penny Warris. “I think as soon as the weather cooperates, we’ll see a huge uptake on them.”
Neuron scooters only cost $1.15 for single-use rides with a charge of $0.35 a minute, which can make them an even better option than driving in some situations.
“I think it’s a great and convenient way to be more environmentally friendly right now, especially with the gas prices so high,” said Chamber of Commerce manager Dominika Wojcik.
While e-scooters have many practical benefits, some people enjoy them just because they’re fun.
“You see people with them out there and people are having fun with it. It seems to be a good program,” said King of Trades owner Hunter Heggie.
To use the scooters, you need to download the Neuron app from the app store or google play, and be 18 or older to ride.
There are 250 e-scooters and 50 e-bikes in Lethbridge but if demand is steady that could be increased to 500 e-scooters and 100 e-bikes.
With files from Jayden Wasney
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.