Saskatoon City Launches Pilot Project for E-Scooters on City Streets
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The city of Saskatoon has recently announced the launch of a pilot project that will allow electric scooters, or e-scooters, to be used on city streets. This project is set to begin in the summer of 2021 and will run for a period of one year.
The decision to introduce e-scooters on city streets comes after a successful pilot project in Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. The project in Regina saw over 100,000 trips taken on e-scooters, with minimal incidents reported. This has prompted Saskatoon to follow suit and explore the potential benefits of e-scooters in their city.
The pilot project will be run by two e-scooter companies, Lime and Bird, who have been granted permits by the city. These companies will be responsible for providing and maintaining the e-scooters, as well as ensuring that they are used safely and responsibly by riders.
According to the city, the e-scooters will be allowed on city streets, bike lanes, and shared pathways, but not on sidewalks. Riders will also be required to follow all traffic laws and wear helmets while using the e-scooters. The speed limit for e-scooters will be set at 20 km/h, and they will not be allowed on major roads with speed limits over 50 km/h.
The introduction of e-scooters on city streets is seen as a step towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options in Saskatoon. It is also expected to provide an alternative mode of transportation for residents, especially during the summer months.
However, there are concerns about the safety of e-scooters, as seen in other cities where they have been introduced. The city of Saskatoon has addressed these concerns by implementing strict regulations and guidelines for the use of e-scooters. They have also stated that the success of the pilot project will be closely monitored, and changes may be made if necessary.
In conclusion, the pilot project for e-scooters on Saskatoon city streets is an exciting development that has the potential to benefit both residents and the environment. With proper regulations and responsible use, e-scooters could become a popular and convenient mode of transportation in the city. The success of this project will be closely watched, and it is hoped that it will pave the way for a more sustainable future in Saskatoon.
