Bird has officially launched its dockless electric scooters in Edmonton.
Over 400 Bird One e-scooters are now available throughout the city, the company’s second Canadian location to date. Bird allows users to book an e-scooter through its app, and request a free helmet.
“The response we’ve received since our e-scooters first launched in Calgary three weeks ago has exceeded our expectations. Residents there have taken more than 150,000 scooter rides in just a short time, and we’re certain Edmontonians will enjoy the experience just as much,” said Stewart Lyons, CEO of Bird Canada. “We are thrilled to have Edmonton as our second Canadian location and look forward to seeing residents and visitors to the city getting around on the best-designed e-scooter in the market.”
The launch comes less than a month after Bird launched its scooters in Calgary. When it first announced its Canadian expansion in late June, Bird said it chose Alberta for the province’s work in addressing climate change and traffic congestion. In February, the Canadian government announced a nearly $13 million investment in four Calgary-based cleantech companies, while Edmonton introduced legislation in May to allow for bike-sharing programs.
Meanwhile, scooter competitor Lime launched its Canadian pilot—a first for Canada—in October in 2018. That pilot will end with Lime deciding not to renew its license when it expires on September 30 (there are still 150 Lime scooters in circulation until then). E-scooters aren’t allowed on Ontario roads as they don’t meet current provincial safety standards.
Bird’s Canadian operations function as a Canadian owned and operated company, with capital committed from Obelysk, Relay Ventures, and Alate Partners.
The company, which launched in 2017, operates electric scooters in over 100 cities throughout North America and Europe, with 10 million rides tracked in its first year of operation.