Bird e-scooters are seen in Medicine Hat in 2022. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

E-scooters returning for another year

Apr 3, 2023 | 4:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Bird e-scooters will once again be zipping around Medicine Hat next week.

Due to current weather conditions, Bird Canada plans to slowly launch the second year of the pilot program in our community.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of the e-scooter program for its second year,” says Scott Richter, business and innovation manager, Parks and Recreation, City of Medicine Hat, in a release. “We received lots of positive public feedback during the first year and saw substantial uptake of the e-scooters. As we move into the 2023 program with Bird Canada, we are eager to explore how e-scooters can continually be integrated into Medicine Hat’s micro-mobility landscape.”

The city says as per the local guidelines, individuals who want to ride the e-scooters must be 16 years or older and it is highly recommended that they wear helmets. The maximum speed limit of the e-scooters is set at 20 km/h, while in certain high-traffic areas, the speed is automatically reduced to 10-15 km/h.

How to use Bird Canada E-scooters

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• To use the e-scooters, riders must download the Bird smartphone app.
• Through the app, riders can locate the most conveniently located Bird e-scooter and ride directly to their desired destination.
• New riders are provided an in-app tutorial on how to properly use Bird e-scooters and how to park it in compliance with local rules.
• Riders can start a trip by scanning the QR code located on the e-scooter. The cost to ride is $1.15 to unlock and $0.35 per minute.
• Riders can request a free helmet be sent to them through the app.
• Riders are requested to park Bird e-scooters out of the public right of way, in line with benches, trees, and bike racks without blocking pedestrian travel.

Bird Canada is funding and operating the pilot program while the city is providing the program framework,

If riders have any questions or concerns regarding the service, they can reach out directly to Bird Canada by email at hello@bird.co or by phone 1-866-205-2442.

More about the City of Medicine Hat rules and regulations on the E-scooter pilot program page.