2 new e-scooter companies added to Kelowna share program

Kelowna is continuing to stockpile its fleet of vehicles that will soon replace the Dropbike sharing program.

According to city transportation manager Matt Worona, two more companies have joined Spin in providing the city with electric scooters.

Canada West Segway has received a permit to deploy 60 e-scooters under the brand OGO, however, Segway's e-scooter design should not be confused with the infamous 90's Segway vehicle.

ZIP has also been issued a permit that will allow them to deploy 25 e-scooters.

According to Worona, the benefit of having three different companies all providing e-scooters is that each company will provide a slightly different service.

“Even though its technically the same vehicle type, there's still quite a bit of variety,” explained Worona.

“For example, one company might make it easier to pay in different ways, while one company might have a more stable scooter and another could have the ability to carry items.”

Following increased concerns over the lack of helmet use, every vehicle being deployed in Kelowna will come with a free helmet to be used by the community.

The companies have all been tasked with stricter rules regarding leaving the e-scooters in unwanted areas.

"There's a strict turn around time for how fast the vehicles have to be retrieved and the companies will have on the ground staff to accomplish that," said Worana.

On Monday, the province announced they will change laws prohibiting scooters from roadways within a year, however, Kelowna has requested an exemption to the law in time for this summer.