Starting in mid-May Bird Canada will deploy 300 e-scooters and 300 e-bikes across Halifax as part of a two-year pilot program

Next month, the City of Halifax and Bird Canada will roll out 600 electric bikes and scooters in phase one of a two-year, regulated pilot program.

Bird Canada, an all-Canadian company based in Port Rowan in southwest Ontario, is a last-mile electric transportation company. Since 2019, Bird has developed micro-mobility operations in more than 25 towns and cities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

Earlier this year the Regional Municipality of Halifax approved Bird Canada to be the sole provider of shared e-scooters and e-bikes in the city for a two-year term. While local shared e-scooter programs were available in the city previously, this marks the first time the government has stepped in to regulate.

Initially, Bird Canada is rolling out 300 e-bikes and 300 e-scooters in Halifax. The program has the potential to increase to 1,000 vehicles depending on rider demand.

The dos and don’ts

Halifax introduced new bylaws and policies to help integrate Bird Canada’s vehicles seamlessly into the city’s transportation offerings.

For instance, the city is creating designated drop zones and stations. When a rider abandons their vehicle outside of a designated drop zone they will continue to be charged. As well, the e-scooters and bikes are banned from sidewalks; they must use bike lanes, paths or roadways.

Bird Canada claims that they are able to remotely shut off e-scooters and e-bikes that travel in no-go areas.

Riders are also encouraged to wear helmets (which are provided) and only drive the vehicles when sober. The Bird app features a field sobriety test, which late-night riders must pass before activating an e-bike or e-scooter.

A more economical way to travel

Bird Canada says affordability is a priority in offering its micro-mobility vehicles at an affordable price point. The cost amounts to an initial $1 to unlock an e-bike or e-scooter and $0.35 per minute of use. Riders will be able to buy time in bulk ($10 for 60 minutes of use). Bird Canada is also offering passes priced similarly to a monthly Halifax Transit pass.

The designated drop areas will be set up near bus stops and bus and ferry terminals so people can combine a trip with transit.

The e-scooters and e-bikes will be available first in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. The city and Bird Canada say there is potential to expand into other areas of the municipality.