(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

E-scooters well used, Concerns being addressed

Bird e-scooters being well used in Vernon

Jun 23, 2025 | 1:23 PM

The new provider of the public e-scooters and e-bikes in Vernon have reported very good usage stats, and work was being done to address public concerns.

Bird Canada began providing the alternative modes of transportation locally in 2025, and a city staff report confirmed the positive response and use in Vernon.

The report said early ridership data showed an average of 6.39 trips per rider, which was “one of the highest usage rates Bird has seen in a new market.”

The report went on to say the city and the company had been working closely together, and that Bird had recently hired a local street team who were responsible for patrolling the downtown core and managing mis-parked scooters. The target for responding to complaints and moving e-scooters left blocking sidewalks or mis-parked was approximately 15 minutes from receiving the report to arriving on scene and moving the items.

The city also was granted access to the Populus software platform that provides real-time data on scooter locations, usage, and compliance, which has helped with monitoring trends and improving operations.

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It added the company has a flexible pricing strategy, including a monthly pass and a Bird Access program, the latter of which offers four free 30-minute rides per day to low-income residents. There are also Equity Zone Level 1 and Level 2 discounts of 50 and 41 per cent, respectively, for people riding within certain areas such as the downtown core and Okanagan Landing.

Bird Canada’s Equity Zones where riders can access discounted rides (image courtesy of the City of Vernon via Bird Canada)

The report noted Bird Canada plans to incorporate more visible parking markings, participate in community events, and expand their promotion of affordability programs in the future, adding the city will also continue to monitor usage.

Anyone with concerns or questions about the e-scooter and e-bike services is encouraged to contact Bird Canada at 311_Vernon@birdcanada.co.

The report, which was requested by Vernon City Council at a previous meeting will be presented as information at the regular meeting Monday, June 23.