The public e-scooters provided by Neuron Mobility in Vernon during the first round of the Shared Micromobility Services Pilot Program (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Requests For Proposals Open

Vernon exploring options for future e-scooter, e-bike provider

Oct 24, 2024 | 3:02 PM

The City of Vernon is looking for it’s next provider micromobility transportation options.

The city opened it’s bidding opportunity for companies to submit a proposal for the provision of a shared Micromobility Services for a Pilot Program.

Vernon was among six B.C. communities to participate in the provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot, in which Neuron Mobility was the provider of the public e-scooters and e-bikes.

As the pilot continues, the city is seeking alternative providers to operate in the community.

In November of 2023, Vernon City Council agreed to have Neuron as their provider through 2024, though also directed staff to open an application process for other providers should the pilot be extended.

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At that time, Councillor Akbal Mund threw his support behind Neuron, saying the company “has done a pretty good job of listening to us here,” and adding that “I’d hate to bring in a new vendor just because they out-bid the existing vendor just to get their foot in the door.”

City Staff took note of Mund’s comments at the time, though Anne Huisken, Vernon’s active transportation coordinator, said they should take into consideration what had been learned over the period of the pilot and take that experience into the application process.

Mayor Victor Cumming added at the time that council could bring recommendations and those would be considered with some additional merit.

The city opened it’s bidding process for the shared micromobility services Thursday, Oct. 24. The deadline to submit a question was set for Nov. 6, and the requests for proposals deadline was set for Nov. 19.

Companies wishing to apply to be the new provider of dockless micromobility options can find more details on the application process at the the city’s website.