City council okays e-scooters

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on March 24, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge city council on Tuesday gave all three readings to a bylaw amendment that will enable a micro-mobility services pilot project to proceed.
The amendment means micro-mobility devices, i.e. e-scooters, will now be allowed to operate on city sidewalks.
Giving all three readings in one sitting provides flexibility for the service in choosing a launch date. Under section 187(4) of the Municipal Government Act, councils can provide all three readings to a bylaw if all councillors present unanimously agree to do so.
A pilot program was approved by council last May that will enable people to rent battery e-scooters, which offer a new way to get around communities.
Typically these services target central core areas, providing a low impact and active mode of transportation which could reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips.
According to the City, the pilot is cost neutral to Lethbridge.
Under the program, people would use a smartphone app to locate, pay for and unlock an e-scooter then use it in a designated area.
A report to council said not passing the amendment could risk damaging the relationship between the City and the scooter service provider, which is a business the City says it is interested in establishing here.

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