Mississauga is introducing a new initiative to promote e-bikes and e-scooters as a popular mode of transportation.
The City of Mississauga will implement a shared micromobility program starting in early 2024. The program will provide around 300 electric pedal-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and 900 electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) at various locations throughout the city.
People can rent these e-bikes and e-scooters for a fee. They can pick them up at the stations or bike racks nearest to their destination. According to Insauga, the amount of the fee is yet to be determined.
The program has received full support from local councillors and is expected to be approved at the upcoming council meeting.
Mississauga will join several other Ontario municipalities, including Toronto, Brampton, and Ottawa, in offering shared micromobility systems. The decision to implement this program follows extensive analysis, community engagement, and stakeholder consultation.
Mississauga is currently searching for an e-bike and e-scooter service provider, a process that is expected to take a few months. Once a provider is found, the micromobility transport system can officially launch.
Toronto’s bike share network is currently operated by Shift Transit. Meanwhile, Brampton’s e-scooter network is operated by Bird.
E-bikes and e-scooters offer a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to automobile transportation. A 2022 study from the UK found that e-bikes can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by 750 kilograms of CO2 per year. Another study found that e-bikes are twice as effective at reducing oil consumption as electric vehicles.
In Mississauga, the shared micromobility system will give residents access to the Hurontario LRT, the Mississauga Transitway, and local walking trails. The micromobility system will also connect to prominent tourist centres like Port Credit, Streetsville, and downtown Mississauga.
With a population of over 700,000, Mississauga is the second-largest city in the Greater Toronto Area and the seventh-largest city in Canada overall.
Image Source: Now Toronto, https://shorturl.at/bEV19
