Lime Scooters return to Calgary during COVID-19 pandemic

Lime says use in Calgary was triple the global average in its first days back, amid new city rules and COVID-19 concerns.

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Lime brought back their scooters to Calgary this past weekend after residents said they wanted a safer, socially distant transportation option especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the first few days of operation, Lime said Calgary saw the highest trips per vehicle in the world, about three times the global average.

Calgary riders also had an average of seven trips per day on the scooters.

Riders were taking 15-minute trips on average meaning 50 per cent of the scooters had to be recharged by the afternoon.

The return of e-scooters was delayed this year because of the pandemic, and companies relaunched with more cleaning procedures. But the city notes, they’re not sanitized so you’ll have to use a disinfecting wipe before taking your trip.

After last year’s pilot, some crashes and bad behaviour, the City of Calgary collected feedback and introduced new rules. There are $400 fines for reckless riding and colliding with a pedestrian.

Bird Canada said it’s seen increasing demand, in a statement it said

“We don’t think the new rules will impact use. We agree with the rules as every city finds they need to tailor the parameters of the program over time and Calgary is no different.”

Lime said the City of Calgary recognized this is essential transportation and it appreciates the common sense approach Calgary officials have taken.

-with files from CityNews

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