Bird Canada e-scooters, e-bikes returning to Windsor

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An increasingly popular mode of electric transportation is returning to Windsor.

Bird Canada’s rentable e-scooters and e-bikes will pop up across the city this weekend.

The service, which lets people use electric bikes and scooters for a fee, had more than 83,000 rides taken last year, up from just under 69,000 in 2023.

Here’s how to use them:

• To rent a device, download the Bird Canada app. Then, use the app to locate an available device, and scan the QR code at the top of the device to process payment. It costs $1.15 to unlock a vehicle and $0.42 per minute to use.
• Those without a smartphone can unlock a bike or scooter by calling Bird Canada’s customer service line at 1-866-205-2442 for assistance.
• To end the ride, park the device and submit a photo through the app for confirmation.

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What are the rules?

• Riders have to be 16 years of age or older, and helmets are required for riders under 18.
• The vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks and park trails, with the exception of Windsor’s riverfront trail.
• They are also prohibited on roads with speed limits of 50km/h or higher. Riders should use bike lanes when they are available, and ride on the ride side of the road where bike lanes are absent.
• E-bikes and e-scooters must not be parked on sidewalks, or blocking sidewalks, parking spots, driways, or traffic signals. They also can’t be parked within half a metre of trees or bus stop zones, within 10 metres of a bus stop sign, or within three metres of street furniture.
• Riders must ride alone. Passengers, pets, and cargo are prohibited.
• Those who ride or park improperly can be suspended from the service and may be subject to penalties.

Bird Canada first arrived in Windsor in May 2021.

The company offers a 50 per cent discount for low-income residents, seniors, veterans, and employees of community-based and non-profit organizations. To participate, email Bird Canada at [email protected] or [email protected] and send proof of eligibility, such as a statement of Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, or identification.

One-day, three-day, weekend, and monthly passes are also available in the Bird smartphone application.

[email protected]

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