E-scooters from Neuron are now available to rent in Vernon. (Photo credit: Neuron)
creating 25 jobs

E-scooters hit the streets of Vernon

Jul 29, 2021 | 9:00 AM

People in Vernon can expect to see lots of orange-coloured e-scooters cruising around the streets this summer.

Neuron Mobility, Australia and New Zealand’s leading electric-scooter operator, is launching up to 250 e-scooters in Vernon today as part of a provincial pilot program.

Vernon will be the fourth Canadian city for Neuron after winning licenses to operate in Calgary and Ottawa and following a launch in Red Deer earlier this month. The company, which will create around 25 new permanent and part-time jobs, will deploy its distinctive ‘safety-orange’ e-scooters throughout downtown Vernon and surrounding areas.

To kick off the program, and to support the city’s recovery, Neuron will offer free monthly passes to all eligible public health workers and emergency services staff.

(Photo credit: Neuron)

Neuron’s industry-leading e-scooters feature a range of cutting-edge safety features, many not seen in Canada before. These include the world’s first app-controlled Helmet Lock, which integrates a safety helmet to every e-scooter, and Voice Guidance to educate riders and deliver instructions for safe riding and parking. Each e-scooter will also be fitted with a unique license plate for easy identification and to promote responsible use.

Neuron’s e-scooters will support the City of Vernon’s Climate Action goal of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050. E-scooters provide a valuable first and last mile alternative and are proven to reduce car journeys, congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Neuron will add e-bikes as another micromobility option later in the year.

“We are really excited to continue our Canadian expansion with Vernon, it’s a great city and we are looking forward to adapting our micromobility services to best meet its needs,” Zachary Wang, CEO of Neuron Mobility said. “As the city looks towards recovery Neuron’s e-scooters present an individual transport option that can extend the public transit system while also helping the city bounce back from the pandemic.”

Cruising through Polson Park on an E-scooter. (Photo credit: Neuron)

Wang maintains his company has an unrivalled focus on safety.

“Safety is our top priority, it dictates our e-scooter design and the way we operate them. Our e-scooters are packed with innovative safety features and we are committed to listening to cities and communities, and then further adapting to meet their needs,” Wang commented.

Akbal Mund, acting mayor of Vernon, said the city is thrilled to offer residents and visitors a new and sustainable way to get around the city.

“It’s exciting to be one of only six communities to participate in B.C.’s electric scooter pilot program. To help us gather valuable data in a more controlled environment, Vernon chose to have a single e-scooter program operator, and sought a company with a safety-first approach. We welcome Neuron to Vernon and ask riders to follow the rules and be respectful of others when riding,” Mund remarked.

“Giving residents and visitors a new way to get around the downtown will help our business as they continue their pandemic recovery. On behalf of the downtown businesses, I’m excited to welcome Neuron’s safety-first e-scooters to Vernon,” Susan Lehman, Executive Director of the Downtown Vernon Association, stated.

Riders in Vernon — who must be at least 18 years of age — will be able to book and use the e-scooters through Neuron’s app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and set up in a matter of minutes. Single trips will cost C$1.15 to unlock the e-scooter and 35 cents per minute thereafter.

More frequent users have the option to purchase Neuron Passes, a subscription service available in three-day (C$25), weekly (C$33), or monthly (C$89) options. The packages will allow users to ride as many times as they want for up to 90 minutes per day for a fixed affordable price. This will result in no additional unlocking fees and savings of up to 95 per cent.

Eligible public health workers and emergency services staff will receive free monthly passes which can be redeemed in the app using an applicable work email address. There will also be a group rides feature which will allow up to five e-scooters to be unlocked with one smartphone which will benefit friends and family who wish to travel together.

Important Riding Rules and Safety Tips:

  • In Vernon, Neuron riders must be 18 years old and above
  • Wearing a helmet is mandatory, there is one on every e-scooter
  • Riding is allowed on bike lanes, multi-use pathways, empty sidewalks and roads with a speed of 50km/h or lower
  • One rider per e-scooter, and no tandem riding with children
  • Keep a safe distance from pedestrians and mobility devices such as wheelchairs
  • Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or other substances
  • Be aware and remove earphones
  • Park responsibly and don’t cause an obstruction
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