E-Scooters and E-Bikes
The City has partnered with Bird Canada to offer a micromobility program in Spruce Grove using shared electric scooters and bicycles.
Electric scooters (e-scooters) are motorized, two-wheeled scooters with a platform on which the rider stands. They are propelled by a battery-powered electric motor and the rider controls the throttle, steering, and brakes.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are bicycles equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling. The rider controls the pedaling, steering and brakes, and the pedal assist helps navigate longer distances and inclines.
Both e-scooters and e-bikes are permitted on multi-use paths in Spruce Grove. E-scooters can also go on sidewalks, but not on roads. E-bikes can go on roads, but not on sidewalks. There are also specific "no go" areas of the city where e-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted. Check out the interactive map for details.
Respectful riding
Sidewalks, roads, and multi-use trails are shared spaces that are used by people of all ages and abilities for commuting, exercise, leisure, and more. To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, e-scooter and e-bike users must ride in a safe and respectful manner. Remember:
- Slow and steady: Slow down in crowded areas and when passing pedestrians or other trail/sidewalk users.
- Be aware: Pay attention to who and what is around you. Watch out for entrances/exits to driveways and parking lots, and follow all traffic controls.
- Stay to the right, pass on the left: Use the right side of the sidewalk (e-scooters), road (e-bikes), or trail to leave space for others.
- Make space: Slow down and move to the side on narrow or busy sidewalks/trails.
- Be heard: When passing people, use your voice, a horn or a bell to alert others.
- Be seen: Make sure your e-scooter or e-bike's headlight and taillight are functioning properly. If not, report it to Bird Canada using the app, by phone at 1-866-205-2442 or email 311_sprucegrove@birdcanada.co.
- Don't block the path: Step off the trail when stopping. When parking, leave your e-scooter or e-bike on the grass or in an area where it's not blocking trails, sidewalks, or roads.
How do I sign up?
Download the Bird Canada app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to get started. Refer to the Rental Policy on the Bird Canada website for more details.
Frequently asked Questions
Both e-scooters and e-bikes are permitted on multi-use paths in Spruce Grove. E-scooters can also go on sidewalks, but not on roads. E-bikes can go on roads, but not on sidewalks. There are also specific “no go” areas of the city where e-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted. In addition, there are some areas where advanced geofencing technology controls where e-scooters and e-bikes are ridden and parked and how fast they can travel. Refer to the interactive map for more details.
While e-scooters and e-bikes do not need to be returned to a specific location, they must be parked appropriately (upright, off the pedestrian corridor and not blocking access to any road, sidewalk or trail). If you see an e-scooter or e-bike that is blocking access, report the location to Bird Canada by email 311_sprucegrove@birdcanada.co.
Between 75 and 150 e-scooters and e-bikes are typically available in Spruce Grove depending on demand, weather, and other factors.
Any responsible person age 16 or above with an app-enabled smartphone and a credit card.
Helmets are strongly encouraged for all users; however, they are not required. Helmets are not provided with the rental of an e-scooter or e-bike.
The City has taken several safety precautions to keep e-scooter/e-bike users and pedestrians safe, including:
- Limiting operation to trails, sidewalks (e-scooters) and roads (e-bikes)
- Identifying "no go zones", "slow zones", and "no parking" zones
- Limiting access to users age 16+
In addition, e-scooters and e-bikes are equipped with several safety features, including:
- Front and rear lights
- Automatic speed limit caps
- Throttle-brake interlock (protects against accidentally holding the throttle)
- E-scooter Dynamic Stability Control Steering (stabilizes out-of-control, sudden or erratic movements and guards against unsafe turns or over corrections)
- Skid detection technology (prevents improper riding behaviour)
Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, e-scooters are not permitted on public roadways, trails, sidewalks or pathways. Bird Canada has applied for, and received an exemption under the Act, and is therefore permitted to operate a shared e-scooter program in Spruce Grove.
Bird Canada monitors the weather forecast and if there is snow, significant rainfall, or other potentially hazardous conditions, it may choose to suspend e-scooter and e-bike use. During these times, all e-scooters/e-bikes will be disabled and cannot be rented. In addition, the City can request at any time that e-scooter/e-bike use be suspended due to weather.
There is no cost to the City or taxpayers. Bird Canada is responsible for providing the e-scooters/e-bikes and overseeing, funding, and operating the program. The City supports the program by sharing information and monitoring use of the e-scooters/e-bikes.
- They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable environment
- They help to expand Spruce Grove’s transportation network and provide a convenient and affordable transportation alternative for the community
- They support the growth of the city by promoting tourism
- They promote an active lifestyle and encourage people to get outside
- To report a collision or incident involving an e-scooter or e-bike that requires police or ambulance attendance, call 911.
- To report someone using an e-scooter or e-bike to cause a disturbance or riding in a reckless or unsafe manner, contact Spruce Grove Enforcement Services at 780-962-7586 or the Parkland RCMP after hours non-emergency line at 825-220-7267.
- To report an abandoned e-scooter/e-bike or one that is blocking a trail, sidewalk, or road, email 311_sprucegrove@birdcanada.co.
- For questions or concerns about the e-scooter and e-bike program, payments/refunds, technical issues, or your account, contact Bird Canada at 1-866-205-2442 or email hello@birdcanada.co.