Micromobility ready to launch in Region of Waterloo for 2024
This coming week, the micromobility rental operator Neuron Mobility is expected to launch in Waterloo Region for the second year. They are finalizing the insurance with the Region of Waterloo, which seems to be the final hurdle to restart for the 2024 season.
In 2023, over 190K rides were taken and 360 K km travelled. This puts Waterloo Region in the top tier of micromobility ridership within a year of launch! It is also the largest single operator program in the country. 37% of all trips either started or ended near a transit station or stop, indicating the importance of the role of micromobility in “last km” transit coverage.
The Region of Waterloo chose a collaborative strategy to involve 4 municipal governments and start with a pilot area (Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo, City of Kitchener, and City of Cambridge). The goals of the pilot were to be able to start small and learn from problems, and to keep the availability of scooters and bikes at a reasonable level. The first year, this included 500 e-scooters and 500 e-bikes.
Operations
Both e-bicycles and e-scooters automatically speed limit based on location, with some shared paths designated as slow zones, limited to 15 km/h. Otherwise, e-scooters max out at 24 km/h.
There are virtual parking areas, preventing riders from leaving the devices anywhere. Pick-up and drop-off locations are “virtual docks”, meaning these are geofenced areas. This prevents users from scattering devices anywhere after use, and provides known locations for these to be found. It also does not require the installation of racks or docking stations. The cities, region, and land owners work with the provider to define these areas to be convenient and not obstructing other uses. For example: these are often beside bus shelters but off the sidewalk. An apartment owner could designate an otherwise unused corner for use so that tenants do not have to walk a few blocks to access these.
The maximum distance depends on a lot of factors, such as temperature and hills. The Neuron Mobility website indicates e-bikes are expected to go at least 60km and e-scooters are probably less but not published. This is one of the factors limiting ride passes to 90min per day.
At least daily, an operations / maintenance person visits all vehicles. Batteries are swapped with fully charged ones, and the vehicle and safety equipment is checked. If any have been abandoned outside of parking areas, these are relocated. All vehicles are connected and the operator is aware of the locations and charge status.
Costs
The pilot program was designed to be revenue neutral from the Region’s perspective.
The cost is 1.15$ to unlock an electric vehicle plus 0.35 $/min, unchanged from last year according to the app currently. The 3 day pass is 25$. Last year, there were a couple more options: 7 day pass for 35$, and month pass for 89$. It is not currently known whether these bundles will be offered this year. The packages are good for up to 90 minutes per day of riding.
“Minutes bundle” allows bulk purchase for sporadic use. Special rate “Max” waves unlock fee and discounted rate. The “Plus” package is sometimes available, with unknown benefits. “Student” is available for post-secondary students.
Group rides can activate up to 5 vehicles at once.
One cool feature for travelers is that Neuron Mobility passes can be used across Canada: Region of Waterloo, Ottawa, Calgary, Oshawa, Brampton, Regina, Saskatoon, Lethbridge, Airdrie, Vernon, Coquitlam, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, and Lacombe (https://www.rideneuron.com/canada/). When travelling internationally, you can still use the same account but must also pay in the local currency.
Pilot results
The end of season survey results were mixed, with respondents indicating 35.1% dissatisfied, 26.6% neutral, 38.6% satisfied. Users of it were in greater support than non-users.
Expanded coverage area
The 2024 coverage extends to Conestoga Mall, Columbia Lake, and Conestoga College’s Doon campus. The overall area has been widened as well, including University Ave to Lincoln Road as well as Weber St. to the east and Westmount and Belmont to the west. See map, which has been collaged from screenshots from the app.
New vehicles
The N4 e-scooter will debut this year. One of the problems that the older N3 had was lack of shock absorption on, which meant rider could lose control easily on rough pavement or track crossings. It also adds turn signal and dual batteries.
References
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=3320b3c8-8761-4f0c-a7bc-56734704b262
