A pair of e-scooters sit in the heart of Crescent Heights. (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Gates Guarin

Year-long pilot program

E-scooters officially hit Medicine Hat streets

May 26, 2022 | 4:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – After months of planning, e-scooters have officially rolled out onto the streets of Medicine Hat.

City council amended the Parks and Recreation Area bylaw at their last council meeting, paving the way for Hatters to take a ride on one of the numerous e-scooters around town.

The city is partnering with Bird Canada to help facilitate a year-long pilot program. Scooters have already been deployed, with most in the downtown area. Several scooters have also been set up at various city trailheads.

Those who are looking to take a ride will have to download the Bird app, which outlines payment options and important safety guidelines.

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Scott Richter, interim recreation manager for the city, says they will be monitoring the pilot program carefully to see if this form of transportation could be viable for years to come.

“It’s an opportunity for people to enjoy quality of life, micro-mobility around town,” Richter says. “People can get around to see the city, the beautiful city that we have and trail system and I think it’ll just be a great thing to see how people use them.”

“We’ll be able to get data back and then keep working with this company or others and try to serve more of the population.”

Mayor Linnsie Clark also issued a statement, saying: “We’re excited to bring this new mode of micro transportation into our community. It is another way for residents and visitors to see and explore our city.”

Bird Canada will be hosting a series of safety events throughout the summer with staff hired in the city to help educate new riders.

More information on the pilot program can be found on the City of Medicine Hat’s website.